Key Highlights
- The Senate passed a funding bill that would end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.
- The House Rules Committee advanced the bill after rejecting Democratic amendments.
- Democrats are trying to amend the bill to remove provisions allowing senators to sue for data seizures.
- The deal includes extending health care tax credits and boosting security for lawmakers.
Government Shutdown: Senate Passes Funding Bill, House Advances
Near the end of a 42-day government shutdown, key developments emerged as Congress moved closer to reopening federal operations. The Senate passed a funding bill on Monday that would end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, while the House Rules Committee advanced it early Wednesday morning after rejecting several Democratic amendments.
House Rules Committee Advances Bill
The powerful House Rules Committee approved a rule setting terms for debate on the Senate-passed funding bill with an 8-4 vote. This procedural step allows the legislation to be considered by the full House as early as Wednesday afternoon. However, the panel rejected a Democratic amendment aimed at extending expiring health insurance subsidies.
House Republicans expressed confidence that the package would pass in the lower chamber.
Speaker Mike Johnson instructed members to return to Washington as soon as possible due to travel delays caused by the shutdown. Neither chamber was in session on Tuesday for Veterans Day, but the House Rules Committee met around 6:40 p.m. to discuss the bill.
Democrats Push Back
Democrats are attempting to amend the bill to remove a provision allowing senators to sue for up to $500,000 if federal law enforcement seizes or subpoenas their data, such as those related to the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Representative Hakeem Jeffries called this language “insanity” and argued it would benefit “insurrectionist sympathizers.”
The amendment would potentially allow Republican senators to sue over steps taken by the Justice Department during special counsel Jack Smith’s investigation into President Trump related to the 2020 election. In October, Senate Republicans revealed an FBI document showing investigators had obtained phone records from eight senators and one congressman.
Health Care and Security Measures
The funding bill extends health care tax credits for three years in response to Democratic demands. It also includes $203.5 million to bolster security for lawmakers, addressing concerns raised by Democrats about the shutdown’s impact on safety measures.
Additionally, the Senate GOP promised a vote on extending health care tax credits as part of their deal to reopen the government. However, House Republican leadership is under no obligation to take up this issue unless forced through procedural measures.
Shutdown End in Sight?
The passage and advancement of the funding bill mark significant progress towards ending the shutdown. President Trump is expected to sign it into law once it clears both chambers. Airlines were also expected to cancel 6% of their flights at 40 of the busiest airports on Tuesday due to an order from the Federal Aviation Administration, highlighting the real-world implications of the ongoing impasse.
While a deal appears imminent, the process is not without its challenges.
Democrats are pushing back against certain provisions they find concerning, and the ultimate fate of these amendments remains uncertain as the House Rules Committee meeting continued into the night. The resolution of this lengthy shutdown will be closely watched by Americans across the country who have been affected by government furloughs and uncertainty.
