The basics:
- Senate passes 60-40 deal to reopen government and fund programs
- Federal employees, including air traffic controllers, to receive back pay
- House vote expected soon before bill goes to Trump
- Includes full funding for SNAP, child nutrition, and fiscal year 2026 programs
The nation’s longest government shutdown looks to be nearing an end.
After a weekslong-stalemate, the Senate reached a deal Monday night and passed a government funding package 60-40. Eight Democrats voted to pass the bill, which would keep the government open until Jan. 30, 2026.
The measure now must pass the House of Representatives, which is expected to take it up as soon as Wednesday. The bill would then go to President Donald Trump’s desk to sign.
The fight has centered around premium tax credits for the Affordable Care Act. Set to expire next year, the move would lead to premium hikes for millions. Democrats did not secure an extension in this legislation. However, Majority Leader John Thune, a Republican from South Dakota, has promised a vote on the issue in the coming weeks.
The package requires the rehiring of federal employees laid off during the more than 40-day shutdown that began Oct. 1. It also provides back pay for federal employees who have gone unpaid during the stoppage, such as air traffic controllers (more on that in a moment).
Additionally, it includes three full fiscal year 2026 appropriations (agriculture, veterans/military construction, and Congress) as well as full-year funding for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and other child nutrition and food-aid programs.
No deal
New Jersey’s two senators – as well as Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill – opposed the deal.
“As I’ve always said, I will not support a government funding bill that continues to raise our costs, jeopardizes our health care, and hurts the people of my state. I’m urging my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to stand up for Americans who are counting on us to lower their costs, and address the urgent, and–in too many cases–dire challenges people are facing in our country. I will not let up in this fight,” U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, a Democrat, wrote on social media, continuing, “I will vote no.”
“I can’t support this bill. It doesn’t meet the urgency of the moment and deliver actual relief that can pass both chambers of Congress,” Democratic U.S. Sen. Andy Kim wrote in a Nov. 9 social media post. “I’ve been clear that we need real action to stop the devastating health care cost increases that are hurting millions of families. Trump and Republican leaders created this crisis, and they’ve only used it to make things worse for working families by withholding food assistance for millions for their own political gain.
“This fight isn’t over, and I’m going to continue to stand with so many who are being hurt.”
Feeling the impacts
In a Nov. 9 statement, Sherrill said, “I ran for office to deliver for New Jerseyans, even in the face of Washington leadership that keeps failing people. And last week we won with a broad coalition after laying out a plan that takes bold action on costs, despite political pressure and people saying it couldn’t be done. Voters made it clear: the American people want leadership with a backbone. And at a critical moment when they need leaders to stay strong under pressure, the Senate is on the brink of caving on a bill that the American people can’t afford.
“Make no mistake, if this deal passes, it will lead to New Jerseyans paying far more for their health care, when they are already paying more and more for everything. Making this deal is malpractice — we have more than 9 million people in New Jersey who are counting on us to fight for them, and instead Washington is putting them in harm’s way. Not on my watch.”
The impacts of the shutdown have been felt in a myriad of ways, such as with the disruption to certain government services along with the cutoff of aforementioned benefits like SNAP (has extensively covered).
And, of course, at the airports.
As NJBIZ reported, to alleviate strain on air traffic controllers, the Federal Aviation Administration and U.S. Department of Transportation called for a phased-in reduction of 10% of flights at 40 leading airports, including Newark Liberty International and Teterboro.
That process began Nov. 7, causing huge delays and cancellations at airports all across the nation. ATCs have been required to work without pay, leading to more call outs.
According to FlightAware, more than 2,000 flights within, into, or out of the United States were cancelled on Monday – with more than 9,000 delays. EWR had 78 cancellations (13%) and 245 delays (41%). Things were trending in a similar fashion Tuesday, as of this writing.
A ‘critical’ move
United Airlines, which operates a major hub out of EWR, and others have set up special pages with information about the shutdown. United published affected flights here.
The cancellations have not impacted long haul international and hub-to-hub flying. United focused its schedule reductions on regional flying and domestic mainline flights that do not travel between its hubs. It has also used its app, website and push notifications to communicate with customers directly. Additionally, the airline offers rebooking options and more.
Following the initial Nov. 9 vote on the funding package, United put out the following statement:
“We thank the Senators who voted tonight to advance legislation to reopen the Federal government and provide funding for our essential air traffic controllers and TSA officers, who have worked tirelessly without pay for over a month. Our customers and employees have experienced firsthand the negative impact of the shutdown and staffing shortages causing flight delays, disruptions and cancellations.
“It is critical that the Senate quickly send this legislation to the House and the House pass it as soon as possible, so that government can reopen and reliable air travel can resume as we near the busy holiday travel season.”
Residual effects
After the final passage by the Senate Monday, Airlines for America (A4A) released a statement applauding the deal.
“We commend the Senate for coming together with a bipartisan deal and doing their part to reopen the government. We especially appreciate the senators who recognized the unsustainable difficulties and challenges being inflicted on Americans—including significant disruptions for the traveling and shipping public,” wrote A4A, the trade association for the leading U.S. airlines.
“Airlines’ reduced flight schedules cannot immediately bounce back to full capacity right after the government reopens. It will take time, and there will be residual effects for days. With the Thanksgiving travel period beginning next week and the busy shipping season around the corner, the time to act is now to help mitigate any further impacts to Americans.
“We encourage the House to pass the bill swiftly.”
Demerits
In a Nov. 10 post on Truth Social, Trump weighed in. He offered praise for air traffic controllers who have continued to work — as well as some harsh words for those who called out during the shutdown.
“All Air Traffic Controllers must get back to work, NOW!!! Anyone who doesn’t will be substantially ‘docked.’ For those Air Traffic Controllers who were GREAT PATRIOTS, and didn’t take ANY TIME OFF for the ‘Democrat Shutdown Hoax,’ I will be recommending a BONUS of $10,000 per person for distinguished service to our Country,” the president wrote. “For those that did nothing but complain, and took time off, even though everyone knew they would be paid, IN FULL, shortly into the future, I am NOT HAPPY WITH YOU. You didn’t step up to help the U.S.A. against the FAKE DEMOCRAT ATTACK that was only meant to hurt our Country.
“You will have a negative mark, at least in my mind, against your record. If you want to leave service in the near future, please do not hesitate to do so, with NO payment or severance of any kind! You will be quickly replaced by true Patriots, who will do a better job on the Brand New State of the Art Equipment, the best in the World, that we are in the process of ordering.
NJ SNAPs to it
As food banks across the U.S. face increased demand caused by a lapse in federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, Gov. Phil Murphy activated the New Jersey National Guard to support response efforts statewide. Read more here.
“The last ‘Administration’ wasted Billions of Dollars trying to fix antiquated ‘junk.’ They had no idea what they were doing! Again, to our great American Patriots, GOD BLESS YOU – I won’t be able to send your money fast enough! To all others, REPORT TO WORK IMMEDIATELY. GOD BLESS AMERICA! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP”
Travel delays
Ironically, part of the timing variable rests on the fact that the House of Representatives has not been in session. As such, members have been in their home districts or elsewhere.
That means to get back for the vote on the bill – which is slated to pass – they have to encounter the very same air travel conditions that the rest of the country has dealt with over the last few days and weeks.
As soon as they are able to get to Washington, the shutdown is poised to end.
Please stay with NJBIZ for the very latest on this developing story.
