Senate shutdown deal reached after 40 days as flights continue to be disrupted

The U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan deal to end what CNBC called the longest government shutdown in history. According to Fox News, the agreement was supported by eight Democrats and all Republicans except Sen. Rand Paul. The deal includes a vote next month on Affordable Care Act tax credits, reports CBS News, but does not guarantee their extension. Most Republicans have opposed the subsidies, and House Speaker Mike Johnson has not committed to bringing the issue to a vote in the House.

According to CBS News, the deal reverses government layoffs and restores funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. It also sets the stage for bipartisan talks on other spending bills. Senate Democrats who backed the deal argued it was the best offer they could secure after weeks of negotiations.

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Democrats divided and air travel disrupted

Many Democrats are furious about the deal, saying it offers little on health care after a 40-day fight, reports CBS News. According to the article, California Gov. Gavin Newsom called the agreement “pathetic,” and Sen. Bernie Sanders said it would be a “policy and political disaster” for Democrats to cave. Further, progressive groups and some lawmakers have called for Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to step down, despite his opposition to the deal.

As reported by CNBC, the shutdown has severely disrupted air travel: On Monday, 1,432 of 25,733 scheduled flights were canceled, and disruptions over the weekend totaled 18,576 delayed and 4,519 canceled flights. President Trump threatened to dock air traffic controllers’ pay on social media if they were absent from work and offered $10,000 bonuses to those who stayed on the job.

House Freedom Caucus Chairman Andy Harris told Fox News he would likely support the deal, but only if a provision cracking down on intoxicating hemp products is removed. The news outlet reported that the Senate could move quickly on the legislation, but that all eyes are on Sen. Paul to see if he will delay the process.