The House is set to vote on ending the government shutdown after the funding bill cleared a key committee hurdle. The bipartisan deal to end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history advanced through the House Rules Committee with all Republicans supporting and all Democrats against. The bill now moves to the full House for a vote, where it is expected to pass with nearly all Republicans on board.
Passage through the House Rules Committee is a significant step toward ending the shutdown, which has lasted 42 days. The committee hearing lasted over six hours, with Democrats attempting to force votes on amendments dealing with the expiration of Obamacare subsidies. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries made a surprise appearance in favor of his amendment to extend those subsidies. The lengthy hearing saw clashes between Democrats and Republicans, with Democrats accusing Republicans of taking a “vacation” during the shutdown.
House Rules Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx defended her work ethic, and some Republicans criticized a provision allowing GOP senators to sue over phone records obtained during an investigation. The bill will now get a House-wide rule vote, and lawmakers are expected to hold a final vote on Wednesday evening to send it to President Trump’s desk for his signature.
The Senate had already passed the legislation in a 60-40 vote, with eight Democrats joining the GOP. Travel disruptions and chaos at U.S. airports have been caused by staff working without pay since last month, while millions of Americans relying on federal food benefits were left in limbo during the shutdown. The bill would extend funding levels through January 30 and include provisions to continue various federal programs.