A bipartisan agreement has been reached in the US between Democratic and Republican senators aimed at ending the shutdown that has lasted for 40 days. This was reported by Democratic Senator Tim Kaine on his official website on November 9, as conveyed by DW.
The basis of the agreement reached is a vote on the extension of tax benefits for health insurance, as well as the reinstatement of laid-off federal employees with back pay for their salaries.
In the Senate, out of 100 seats, Republicans hold 53, but at least 60 votes are needed to pass the bill. Some Democrats have already expressed their willingness to support the reached compromise. After the Senate approves the bill, it will be put to a vote in the House of Representatives and must be signed by President Donald Trump.
Risk of paralysis in air traffic
The agreement reached was a result of a warning from US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy about a possible reduction of air traffic "to a minimum." On the weekend of November 8 and 9, thousands of flights were canceled and delayed nationwide due to a lack of personnel.
The longest shutdown in US history
As of November 9, the shutdown has already lasted 40 days, making it the longest in the history of the United States. As a result of the lack of an approved budget, about 750,000 federal employees have been sent on unpaid leave. Work continues only in essential services such as air traffic control, police, border patrol, and emergency medical services.
