The deal does not include a commitment from Republicans to support Democrats’ key demand: extending expired health care subsidies.
Duffy outlines flight reductions due to safety concerns
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the gradual reduction in flights was aimed at reducing risk during the government shutdown.
WASHINGTON – Millions of Americans receiving food aid breathed a sigh of relief Sunday after lawmakers reached a tentative agreement that could protect benefits until next year.
The bipartisan agreement, signed by moderate lawmakers on Nov. 9, is expected to be fully approved by Congress this week. Clearing all the procedural hurdles could end a month-long stalemate that has left countless people unable to travel, pay rent or send their children to kindergarten.
As part of the agreement, more money will be funneled into the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through next September. Congress also plans to reinstate funding for many other domestic agencies and programs, including veterans benefits and military construction.
For most of the government, funding would only continue until January 30 (until Congress passes further spending legislation).
Additionally, the agreement reverses recent layoffs of thousands of federal workers while prohibiting further layoffs until January 30th. These firings have been temporarily blocked by a federal court.
But when it came to Democrats’ key demands, the deal fell short for many progressives. This includes a promise to vote on a possible extension of expiring Obamacare subsidies. Tax credits, which millions of Americans rely on to help pay their insurance premiums, are a central issue in the shutdown fight.
That vote is likely to take place in the second week of December. But it’s unclear whether it will pass, especially since President Donald Trump opposes the subsidies.
Zachary Schermele is a Congressional reporter for USA TODAY. You can email us at zschermele@usatoday.com. Follow him on X at @ZachSchermele and on Bluesky at @zachschermele.bsky.social.
