Deal to end government shutdown passes Senate, heads to House

illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Washington Post or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: The U.S. Senate has passed a bipartisan funding bill to end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, now in its 41st day
• The measure, approved 60–40, includes full-year funding for several agencies and temporary funding through January 30 for the rest
• The bill now moves to the House, which is expected to vote later this week after a prolonged recess of over 50 days

🔭 The context: The shutdown was triggered by a breakdown in negotiations over expiring Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, with Democrats demanding their extension and Republicans refusing to engage on healthcare policy while the government remained closed
• During the shutdown, federal workers faced mass furloughs, delayed SNAP benefits, and disrupted services such as air traffic control and public access to national parks

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Prolonged U.S. government shutdowns weaken environmental oversight, stall climate-related funding and regulatory functions, and delay the implementation of green infrastructure projects
• Agencies like the EPA and Department of the Interior operate with reduced staff, slowing environmental permitting and enforcement
• The shutdown also disrupted food assistance programs, undermining climate resilience for vulnerable communities

⏭️ What's next: The House faces a narrow path to pass the bill, with Speaker Mike Johnson under pressure from both parties
• Democrats are pushing to vote against the deal due to the absence of ACA subsidy extensions, while Republicans must hold nearly all of their caucus
• A Senate vote on healthcare subsidies is tentatively scheduled for December, but its prospects remain uncertain amid GOP opposition

💬 One quote: “Doing nothing is unacceptable, but that’s the choice the Republican side made in obeisance to Donald Trump,” — Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York)

📈 One stat: Over 4,000 federal layoffs will be reversed under the deal, halting additional job cuts through January 30, 2026

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