U.S. Shutdown Nears End as Funding Bill Heads to House

The longest government shutdown in U.S. history could end as early as Wednesday, following a Senate vote to pass a short-term funding bill on Monday. ABC News reports that the move would send hundreds of thousands of federal workers back to their jobs, restore SNAP benefits for over 42 million Americans, and ease major travel disruptions.

Economists say the reopening will help reverse much of the damage, including an estimated $55 billion (0.8%) loss in GDP this quarter. The shutdown had also forced nearly 800,000 federal employees and air traffic controllers into unpaid leave or work without pay.

The bill provides funding for most federal agencies until January 30, raising concerns about a possible second shutdown early next year. Analysts warn that while backpay and resumed benefits will offer short-term relief, the crisis isn’t over.

Even with the bill’s passage, it will take several days to fully reopen the government. Air travel disruptions continue, with 1,148 flights cancelled nationwide as of Tuesday afternoon, according to aviation analytics.