The House of Representatives is preparing to vote on a federal spending bill that could bring an end to the ongoing government shutdown. The Senate has already passed the legislation with bipartisan support, and President Donald Trump has publicly endorsed the measure. This bill is crucial as it provides funding for essential services, including SNAP benefits, back pay for furloughed federal workers, and addresses significant disruptions in air travel.
As the nation awaits the House’s decision, the bill aims to restore operations until January 30, 2026. It allocates funding to key agencies, notably the Department of Agriculture and Department of Veterans Affairs, ensuring the continuity of critical services. One of the bill’s central components is the full funding of SNAP benefits through the end of September 2026, which will provide vital financial assistance to millions of vulnerable individuals and families.
The shutdown has already had significant implications, affecting at least 670,000 federal employees, as reported by the Bipartisan Policy Center. Among those impacted are essential workers, including TSA personnel and air traffic controllers, who have been required to work without pay. This situation has intensified the stress on their personal and professional lives. The legislation includes provisions to ensure that these workers receive back pay, adhering to the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019, which mandates compensation for both furloughed employees and those working without wages during shutdowns.
Air travel has felt the effects of the shutdown as well. The Federal Aviation Administration reduced flights by 10% across 40 airports due to a shortage of air traffic controllers, leading to numerous cancellations and delays. In discussions with reporters, officials indicated that air traffic controllers would receive approximately 70% of their back pay within 24 to 48 hours following the reopening of the government. The Department of Transportation also plans to ease flight reductions once staffing levels normalize.
President Trump expressed a desire to reward those air traffic controllers who remained on duty during the shutdown, proposing a $10,000 bonus for their dedication. However, he also criticized those who took time off, suggesting they should be removed from their positions without compensation, which has raised concerns given the existing staffing challenges.
Despite the bill’s progress, it does not include provisions for Affordable Care Act subsidies, an issue that has been a point of contention among lawmakers. Senate Republican leaders have committed to allowing a vote on a bill regarding the ACA in December, although the House Speaker has not guaranteed support for such a measure.
As the House prepares for its vote, the focus remains on the potential reopening of federal agencies and the restoration of services that many Americans depend on. The outcome of this vote will have immediate repercussions for federal employees, essential services, and the broader economy.
