Hope for end of shutdown in America

America is currently facing the longest government shutdown in its history. This shutdown has reached its 42nd day, breaking the record of 35 days of shutdown during Donald Trump’s first presidential term in 2018-19. But now news is coming that the shutdown in America may end soon.

Actually, late on Monday night, the US Senate (Upper House) approved an important funding bill, which has made possible the end of the longest shutdown in the country’s history. Under this bill, the government will get funding by the end of January, due to which the closed offices, services and salaries of employees can be restarted.

Bill passed 60-40, consensus reached between Republicans and Democrats

This bill was passed by a margin of 60-40. Most Republican leaders voted in favor of the bill, while eight Democrats, breaking party lines, supported it. Only one Republican senator, Rand Paul of Kentucky, joined with the Democrats and voted against the bill. When the voting was completed late in the night in the Senate, although the hall was almost empty, the MPs present welcomed the result with loud applause.

Now the turn of the House of Representatives

The bill will now go to the House of Representatives. The House of Representatives is called the lower house. After passing from there, it will go for the signature of President Donald Trump. Trump has already indicated that he is ready to sign this agreement. House Speaker Mike Johnson called the members back to Washington on Monday. Discussion on this will start in the House from Wednesday. Republicans have a majority of only two seats in the House, so every vote will be important.

What is special in the bill?

Under this agreement, the government will get funding till January 30. Agriculture department, military construction and parliamentary agencies will get funds for the whole year. All federal employees will be paid their full salary during the shutdown. SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), or food assistance program, which helps one in every eight Americans, will receive funds by next September. Also included is a promise to hold a vote on increasing health insurance subsidies in December. Voting on health subsidy will be held in the second week of December.