The US government shutdown is nearing an end with the House expected to vote on a funding bill tomorrow. Senate Democrats joined Republicans in passing a stopgap measure last night, but it doesn’t secure their demand for extending expiring health subsidies. The package would restore critical services like federal food aid and pay for federal workers.
Airlines have already canceled over 800 flights to meet the FAA’s emergency order, reducing flight capacity at 40 major US airports. Experts warn that air travel will take a while to recover, and the window for sufficient recovery before Thanksgiving is narrow.
The Supreme Court is facing a close-to-midnight deadline today to resolve an emergency appeal over the full payment of food stamp benefits for millions of Americans. A lower court order would require Trump to spend $4 billion on the food program if the shutdown ends.
Travelers at Newark Airport report few issues so far, but some are concerned about their return flights. The FAA’s emergency order will increase flight cuts by 6% today, 8% by Thursday, and up to 10% by Friday.
Millions of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients have been struggling due to the shutdown, with guidance memos issued by the USDA and lawsuits filed to force payments. A federal judge in Rhode Island expanded his ruling last week to require full food stamp benefits.
President Trump predicted that the House will vote “positively” to open the government tomorrow. GOP leaders hope to push the bill through Wednesday evening, but Democrats plan to oppose any legislation that doesn’t address health care subsidies.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/politics/live-news/government-shutdown-deal-senate-house-11-11-25