In a key procedural step today, the U.S. House of Representatives advanced a spending package designed to terminate the longest government shutdown in the nation’s history. This comes hours before a full floor vote is expected later this evening.
The draft legislation, passed 213-209 in a preliminary vote, would reopen federal operations that have been closed for nearly six weeks and restore pay to furloughed government employees. It now heads to final consideration and, if approved, would be sent to President Donald Trump’s desk for his signature.
While the measure draws broad Republican support, many Democratic lawmakers are opposed because it does not extend expiring health-insurance subsidies. The debate now shifts to the late-day vote and the potential rapid return to full government operations.