WASHINGTON — After 41 days of gridlock, the U.S. Senate voted late Monday night to approve a bill that would end the longest government shutdown in American history. The legislation now heads to the House of Representatives, where it is expected to pass later this week. But while the vote signals a return to normalcy for many federal agencies, it leaves key Democratic priorities on the cutting room floor—and the aviation sector still in crisis.
🏛️ Senate Vote Ends Stalemate, But Not Without Friction
The bill passed 61–39, with a coalition of moderate Republicans and a handful of Democrats crossing party lines to support the measure. The legislation funds the government through January 30, 2026, but does not include provisions for expanded child tax credits, climate resilience funding, or increased housing assistance—issues Democrats had pushed for throughout negotiations.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed disappointment: “We voted to reopen the government, but we did not get the investments our communities desperately need. This is a temporary fix, not a solution.”
✈️ Airlines and TSA Still in Turmoil
Despite the breakthrough, the shutdown’s impact on air travel remains severe. Thousands of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) staff have gone unpaid for over a month, leading to staffing shortages, flight delays, and mounting frustration among travelers.
Major airports reported delays of up to three hours over the weekend, and several regional carriers have canceled flights due to lack of ground support. The bill includes back pay for federal workers, but it’s unclear when funds will be disbursed.
“We’re relieved the shutdown is ending, but the damage is done,” said Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants. “Our members are exhausted, and passengers are angry. Recovery will take time.”
🧭 House Vote Looms
The bill now moves to the House, where Speaker Mike Johnson has pledged swift action. “We will bring this to the floor immediately,” Johnson said in a statement. “The American people deserve a functioning government.”
Progressive Democrats have signaled they will vote reluctantly in favor, citing the urgent need to restore services and pay federal workers. However, some are already calling for a renewed push on social spending in the next funding round.
🇺🇸 What’s Next?
President Donald Trump is expected to sign the bill once it clears the House, bringing a formal end to the shutdown. But with only temporary funding secured, lawmakers face another deadline in just over two months.
As federal workers prepare to return to their posts, and travelers hope for smoother skies, one thing is clear: the political turbulence may be far from over.
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