Members of the House of Representatives returned to Washington on Tuesday after a 53-day recess, facing significant congestion at U.S. airports as they aimed to address a pressing issue: the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, which has dragged on for 42 days since October 1. The shutdown has led to over 1,000 flight cancellations on the day of their return, prompting some representatives to seek alternative transportation to the Capitol. For instance, Republican Representatives Rick Crawford from Arkansas and Trent Kelly from Mississippi decided to carpool, while Representative Derrick Van Orden braved a 16-hour motorcycle drive from Wisconsin.
The Republican-majority House plans to vote on Wednesday afternoon regarding a bipartisan compromise that aims to restore funding to various government agencies and end the shutdown. This agreement previously received approval from the Republican-controlled Senate on Monday night. House Speaker Mike Johnson has expressed his confidence that the deal will successfully pass in the House.
President Donald Trump has offered praise for the agreement, calling it “very good” and is expected to sign it into law once finalized. If the proposal is enacted, it would fund the government through January 30, 2024, paving the way for further discussions on government funding, potentially leading to an increase in the national debt, which currently stands at approximately $38 trillion.
Approval of this deal would bring much-needed relief to federal employees who have been without paychecks during the shutdown, as well as to low-income families dependent on food assistance programs. Nevertheless, air travel recovery may face delays as the aviation sector deals with the aftermath of the extended shutdown.
The compromise has generated a divide among Democrats, particularly regarding proposed extensions of healthcare subsidies for 24 million Americans as these programs are set to expire at year’s end. While Senate Republicans are open to discussing these subsidies in December, uncertainty remains about their passage, and Speaker Johnson has yet to confirm whether the House will deliberate on this matter.
Johnson’s choice to keep the House out of session since passing a stopgap bill on September 19 appears to be a maneuver aimed at pressuring Senate Democrats to agree to the reopening of the government. This strategy has faced criticism from more liberal factions within the Democratic Party, who feel coerced into abandoning a previously more favorable position.
A recent poll indicates that 50% of Americans hold Republicans responsible for the shutdown, while 43% blame Democrats, reflecting the contentious political atmosphere surrounding the budget discussions. Additionally, Trump’s unilateral actions have come under scrutiny, particularly his cuts to federal spending and workforce reductions, which have raised alarms concerning the balance of congressional authority over fiscal matters.
While the current deal does not specifically bar future spending cuts by Trump, it would temporarily pause his efforts to reduce the federal workforce until the end of January. Notably, the agreement ensures the continuity of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) without interruption until September 30, 2026, ensuring vital food aid for Americans in need.
This moment offers a crucial chance for lawmakers to come together in pursuit of collaborative solutions that restore normal government operations and foster a hopeful legislative climate. As discussions progress, a spirit of bipartisanship may facilitate policies that balance fiscal responsibility with essential social assistance programs, promoting well-being for the American populace.