The longest U.S. government shutdown in history is nearing its end following a bipartisan breakthrough in the Senate. On Sunday night, the Senate took a crucial procedural step toward passing the funding deal, setting the stage for the final vote, which is expected to occur on Monday if leaders can secure unanimous consent to expedite the process. This resolution includes three full-year appropriations bills for various programs and a new continuing resolution to fund the rest of the government through January 30.
While the agreement has garnered broad support, some progressive senators remain critical, and Sen. Rand Paul expressed concerns over the inclusion of the agriculture appropriations piece of the bill, particularly its impact on hemp policy. Senate Majority Leader John Thune noted that the speed of the process remains uncertain, emphasizing the need for motivated senators to move forward.
The House GOP leadership anticipates passing the deal once President Donald Trump encourages House Republicans to support it. House Republican leaders plan to provide 36 hours’ notice to members before voting. Although many House Democrats are expected to oppose the bill, a few centrist Democrats, such as Reps. Jared Golden, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, and Henry Cuellar, might consider voting for the plan. Golden previously supported the original House-passed CR, and Cuellar expressed support for the compromise, highlighting the importance of putting country over party.
Meanwhile, other developments are under close watch. A bipartisan duo, Reps. Sam Liccardo (D-Calif.) and Kevin Kiley (R-Calif.), are set to release a bill on Monday that would extend expiring Affordable Care Act tax credits for two years. Unlike legislation from Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-Va.), this bill would cap eligibility for the credits at those making six times poverty-level income, which would be $192,900 for a family of four. The bill also aims to address ‘upcoding’ in Medicare Advantage and impose new penalties on brokers who submit false applications to enroll in the ACA.
Additionally, the House is moving forward on proposed bipartisan stock trading restrictions, as Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) reported that Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed they would begin to move the legislation once the government reopens. However, the bill faces significant challenges due to opposition from Republican members and uncertainty about its passage. Johnson has pledged to work on the issue privately, indicating a potential compromise.