The U.S. Senate voted 60-40 to end the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history. Now it’s up to the House of Representatives to put an end to the contentious 41 day work stoppage.
Eight Democratic Senators voted with Republicans to reach a deal to fund the government through January.
The House has been on recess since mid-September. Members are expected to return to Washington quickly to vote on the legislation. Democrats were hoping to force Republicans to extend health care tax credits that expire Jan. 1. That debate remains unresolved.
The shutdown has caused national chaos for many. Food programs were interrupted and travel delays have been widespread with the holiday season fast approaching.
The bill reinstates federal workers laid off during the shutdown. It will also compensate those employees for lost wages.
House Speaker Mike Johnson had pressured lawmakers to end the shutdown as quickly as possible. Some Democrats expressed frustration with colleagues who crossed party lines to work with Republicans.
“While your healthcare costs are going up: Donald Trump and Republicans are preoccupied with ballrooms, private jets, and bailouts for Argentina. Those are the priorities of the Republican party,” Sen. Chuck Schumer posted on social media Monday.
Schumer, the top ranking Democrat in the Senate, didn’t vote to end the shutdown on Monday.
With News Wire Services
