Shutdown ends: Feds back Thursday; back pay by Nov. 19 as LIHEAP restarts
After a record 43‑day shutdown, Congress passed and the president signed a stopgap continuing resolution to reopen the government, extend funding through Jan. 30, reverse shutdown-era firings and bar further layoffs—though several Democrats opposed the deal because it omits an extension of ACA premium subsidies. Federal employees were ordered back Thursday and will receive back pay in four tranches beginning around Nov. 19, while SNAP and other aid (including LIHEAP) will restart as USDA releases funds—states may be able to issue some SNAP benefits within 24 hours, but full restorations and LIHEAP payments could take days to weeks, in some cases into mid‑December.
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📌 Key Facts
- After a 43-day shutdown—the longest on record—Congress approved and President Trump signed a Senate-brokered continuing resolution that reopens the government and extends funding through Jan. 30.
- The compromise package (a 394-page bill paired with a three-bill minibus) includes three FY2026 full-year appropriations (Agriculture, MILCON–VA, Legislative Branch), restores funding for USDA food programs (including SNAP) through Sept. 2026, and contains provisions to reverse shutdown-era firings, reinstate furloughed workers and bar new reductions-in-force while the CR is in effect.
- The Senate advanced the measure on a 60–40 procedural vote (with eight Democrats joining Republicans), the House passed it 222–209, and several prominent Democrats — including Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith — opposed it because it does not extend Affordable Care Act premium tax credits; leaders pledged separate floor action on subsidies by mid‑December but offered no guarantee of passage.
- SNAP benefits and other food‑assistance programs are unlocked: USDA said SNAP funds could be available to states within 24 hours of reopening for most states, though states vary (many can issue full benefits within days while others may take up to a week), states that issued partial benefits face technical hurdles loading remaining amounts, and at least 19 states plus D.C. had briefly issued full November benefits during an earlier court-ordered window; the bill also reimburses states for money spent to keep SNAP and WIC running during the shutdown.
- LIHEAP funding will be administered rapidly by HHS but, according to program experts, actual household payments could take into mid‑December or longer to flow.
- OPM directed federal employees to return to work Thursday under normal operations; back pay for furloughed and separated employees will be provided expeditiously — officials said a 'supercheck' could begin around Nov. 15 and agencies expect back pay to be completed by Nov. 19 in four tranches (timing varying by agency).
- The shutdown caused widespread disruption to travel and services: FAA controller shortages prompted ordered flight reductions and national travel chaos warnings, airline delays and cancellations complicated lawmakers’ returns to vote, and the administration publicly pressured controllers and airline staff (including DHS moves to award $10,000 attendance bonuses to some TSA workers).
- Officials and analysts warned of broader consequences: the White House estimated large weekly economic costs (CEA director cited roughly $15 billion per week), and Democrats cautioned up to 24 million exchange enrollees could face premium spikes Jan. 1 if ACA tax credits are not extended.
📚 Contextual Background
- A 2019 law requires furloughed federal employees to receive back pay after a government shutdown ends.
- Essential federal functions generally continue during a shutdown, including border protection, law enforcement, air traffic control and power grid maintenance.
📰 Sources (24)
You can end a shutdown overnight — but you can’t reopen a government that fast
New information:
- OPM directed federal employees to return to work Thursday with normal operating procedures in effect.
- Back pay is scheduled to be issued by Nov. 19 in four tranches, varying by agency.
- HHS said it will work swiftly to administer annual LIHEAP awards; NEADA’s Mark Wolfe estimates payments could take until mid‑December or longer to flow.
- Article reiterates that FAA controller shortages led to ordered airline flight reductions during the shutdown, contributing to traveler disruptions.
Air travel, SNAP benefits, back pay at issue as federal government slowly reopens
New information:
- OMB says federal employees will receive back pay 'expeditiously,' including a 'supercheck' covering Oct. 1–Nov. 1 beginning around Nov. 15 (agency timing varies).
- DHS Secretary Kristi Noem is awarding $10,000 bonuses to TSA workers with high attendance during the shutdown and began distributing checks in Houston.
- White House CEA Director Kevin Hassett estimated the shutdown cost the economy about $15 billion per week.
Republicans promised health care negotiations after the shutdown, but Democrats are wary
New information:
- House Speaker Mike Johnson called the ACA subsidies a "boondoggle" and President Trump called the ACA a "disaster" after the shutdown bill signing.
- Sen. Jeanne Shaheen says Senate Republicans (via John Thune) committed to drafting a mid‑December bill and "serious effort" to extend credits; Democrats remain skeptical.
- Senate Democrats floated a one‑year extension plus a bipartisan committee during the shutdown; Thune rejected it as a "nonstarter."
- House Democrats have proposed a three‑year extension; no House commitment from Johnson.
- Up to 24 million exchange enrollees could see premiums rise Jan. 1 if credits expire.
States scramble to send full SNAP food benefits to millions of people after government shutdown ends
New information:
- USDA indicated SNAP funds could be available to states within 24 hours of reopening, though loading to EBT cards varies by state.
- Examples of state timelines: West Virginia expects full November benefits by Friday; Illinois plans to complete restorations by Nov. 20; Colorado is switching from partial to full payments as early as Thursday; Missouri awaits USDA guidance to finish November payouts.
- AP notes a patchwork of distributions before reopening, with about two‑thirds of states having issued only partial or no benefits.
President Trump signs government funding bill, ending shutdown after a record 43-day disruption for country
New information:
- President Trump signed the funding bill Wednesday night, officially ending the 43‑day shutdown.
- House passed the measure 222–209; the Senate had passed it Monday.
- Funding for remaining agencies is extended through Jan. 30; three full‑year bills are enacted.
- Bill reverses shutdown‑period firings, protects federal workers from layoffs through January, and guarantees back pay.
- USDA/food assistance programs are funded for the rest of the budget year; $203.5 million included to boost lawmaker security.
- Republicans pledged a mid‑December vote on ACA marketplace subsidy extensions; no guarantee of passage.
- Deal was brokered by eight senators after Democrats’ subsidy extension was excluded.
The timeline for SNAP benefits remains uncertain, even after Congress agrees to end the shutdown
New information:
- The House adopted the plan to reopen government and restart SNAP and sent it to President Trump for signature.
- USDA says SNAP funds could be available 'within 24 hours for most states' once government reopens; some states may take longer.
- AP tally: at least 19 states and D.C. issued full November SNAP benefits to some recipients during a brief court‑ordered window before a Supreme Court stay.
- Operational outlook: many states can issue full benefits within about three days after the go‑ahead, while some could take up to a week; states that issued no November benefits yet may be quickest.
- Technical complication: states that already issued partial benefits may face hurdles loading the remaining amounts onto EBT cards.
Government to reopen after 43 days: US House sends bill to Trump ending record shutdown
New information:
- House vote was 222–209; the White House said President Trump will sign the bill at 9:45 p.m. ET on Nov. 12.
- The Senate‑reworked package is 394 pages, folds in three full‑year appropriations bills, and extends the CR to Jan. 30 (from Nov. 21).
- List of cross‑party House votes: Democrats Henry Cuellar, Don Davis, Jared Golden, Adam Gray, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, and Tom Suozzi voted for passage; Republicans Thomas Massie and Greg Steube voted against.
- Senate Majority Leader John Thune pledged a floor vote on a Democratic health‑care bill by the second week of December.
- Quotations framing the debate: Appropriations Chair Tom Cole said shutdowns 'never change the outcome'; Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro warned premiums could double or triple for more than 20 million Americans.
House returns for vote to end the government shutdown after nearly 2 months away
New information:
- House returns after nearly eight weeks away; vote scheduled Wednesday and Speaker Mike Johnson may need near‑perfect GOP attendance due to expected Democratic opposition.
- The bill reverses firings of federal workers during the shutdown, protects against further layoffs through January, and guarantees back pay.
- Full‑year funding for the Agriculture Department is included, ensuring key food assistance programs continue without interruption through the rest of the budget year.
- Democrats oppose the measure because it omits an extension of Affordable Care Act premium tax credits; eight Senate Democrats broke with their caucus to advance the bill.
- Shutdown is at Day 43; potential travel delays tied to the shutdown could complicate House attendance.
US Senate on verge of passing bill to end record-breaking shutdown, House up next
New information:
- Senate expected to hold final passage vote before midnight on Nov. 10 to end the record-length shutdown.
- President Trump said he will 'abide by the deal' and highlighted reinstatement of thousands of federal workers who received layoff notices.
- House Speaker Mike Johnson told members to return to D.C. immediately for a House vote once the Senate sends the bill, citing flight delays/cancellations and unpaid, overworked air traffic controllers.
- Trump separately posted that air traffic controllers must return 'NOW,' threatened to 'dock' those who took time off, and floated $10,000 bonuses for those who did not — adding pressure amid MSP and national disruptions.
- The stopgap extends funding through Jan. 30, giving Congress time to finish remaining full‑year appropriations.
The shutdown could end this week. Here’s what that might mean for Minnesotans.
New information:
- Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith did not support the emerging legislation, citing concerns over delayed ACA tax-credit action.
- The Senate was close to a vote Monday with House action still required; the package includes back pay for furloughed federal workers.
- The deal would fund SNAP through September 2026.
Speaker Johnson says House will return to Washington for voting on shutdown deal
New information:
- Speaker Mike Johnson told House members to return to Washington “right now” to take up the shutdown-ending package.
- The 60–40 Senate procedural vote followed switches by a small group of Democrats; three named were Jeanne Shaheen, Maggie Hassan, and Independent Angus King.
- John Thune reaffirmed a mid-December vote on ACA subsidies while noting outstanding GOP concerns, including a potential Rand Paul objection over a hemp-products provision.
- President Trump has not committed to signing but said the shutdown’s end appears close.
What’s in the legislation to end the federal government shutdown
New information:
- Package explicitly ensures states will be reimbursed for money spent to keep SNAP and WIC running during the shutdown.
- Confirms three full‑year appropriations attached: agriculture and military construction/Veterans Affairs (VA) among them.
- Notes eight Democrats joined Republicans on the 60–40 procedural vote; Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer voted no.
- Sets timeline: Senate could pass the bill as soon as Monday; House members told to prepare to return.
- Guarantees a December vote on ACA subsidy extension rather than resolving it in this bill.
- Includes back pay assurance for furloughed federal workers after prior uncertainty.
Klobuchar, Smith vote against proposal to reopen federal government after historic shutdown
New information:
- Confirms Minnesota Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith voted against advancing the continuing resolution.
- Provides Klobuchar’s direct quote: she opposed the bill because it did not prevent premium spikes for Minnesotans.
- Lists the specific Democrats who crossed the aisle to vote with Republicans (Durbin, Hassan, Rosen, Fetterman, Shaheen, Cortez Masto, Kaine) and notes independent Angus King’s vote and GOP Sen. Rand Paul’s 'no' vote.
- Cites assurance from Senate Majority Leader John Thune about scheduling a vote on ACA subsidies and rehiring furloughed federal workers.
End to government shutdown in sight after senators make funding deal
New information:
- Senate voted 60–40 to advance a shutdown-ending continuing resolution Sunday night.
- Republican leaders promised a vote on extending the enhanced ACA Premium Tax Credits as part of the deal.
- The CR is paired with a minibus covering three FY2026 appropriations: MILCON–VA; Agriculture/FDA/Rural Development; and the Legislative Branch.
- Deal language includes reversing some Trump administration Reduction-in-Force (RIF) actions during the shutdown and bars new RIFs while the CR is in effect.
- CR would extend funding through Jan. 30 to avoid a December omnibus and allow time for regular-order appropriations.
- On-record quotes from Sens. Dick Durbin and John Fetterman acknowledging the deal and its impacts.
Senate moves toward compromise legislation to end government shutdown
New information:
- The Senate voted 60–40 to advance the compromise bill to reopen the government, with eight Democrats joining Republicans.
- Senate Majority Leader John Thune committed to a December vote on extending ACA premium subsidies, though the current bill does not include the extension.
- Sen. Tim Kaine highlighted language reversing shutdown-era layoffs and guaranteeing back pay for furloughed employees.
- Both of Minnesota’s U.S. senators voted against advancing the measure.
Minnesota’s U.S. senators call potential deal ‘a mistake’ as Senate votes on plan to end shutdown
New information:
- Minnesota Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith both oppose the emerging Senate deal because it omits an extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies.
- Klobuchar warned premiums could double for many Minnesotans and said she voted against the bill.
- Smith stated she will not support the bill, calling it a mistake for failing to help Americans afford health care.
- Rep. Angie Craig and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan also criticized the deal publicly, urging Democrats not to accept it without health-care concessions.
Deal to end shutdown gains traction in US Senate as vote nears
New information:
- Senate leaders released text of a stopgap funding bill to keep the government open until Jan. 30.
- The deal would reinstate all federal employees fired during the shutdown with back pay and bar further layoffs until the CR expires.
- Package includes three FY2026 full-year appropriations (agriculture, veterans/military construction, and Congress).
- Unlocks full-year funding for SNAP (serving ~42 million Americans).
- No ACA subsidy extension in the bill; GOP leaders commit to a separate vote by the second week of December.
- Positions from key lawmakers: Sens. Blumenthal, Van Hollen, Baldwin, Schumer, and Rep. Andy Kim say they’ll vote no; Sen. Tim Kaine supports; Minnesota U.S. Rep. Angie Craig says she’d vote no in the House.
Trump signals no shutdown compromise with Democrats as senators hold a rare weekend session
New information:
- Senate holds a rare weekend session for the first time since the shutdown began to seek a bipartisan resolution.
- President Trump publicly rejects Democrats’ demand to extend ACA tax credits, suggesting direct payments instead.
- Senate Majority Leader John Thune says Trump's proposal won’t be part of an immediate solution but keeps Senate in session until shutdown ends, aiming for a vote as soon as possible.
- Moderate Democrats, led by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, float a plan to reopen government now with only a promise of a later vote on ACA subsidies, not a guarantee.
- Talks include funding select parts of government (food aid, veterans programs, legislative branch) and extending the rest into December or January.
- Republican leaders need approximately five more votes; the moderate Democratic group has ranged from 10–12 senators.
- House Speaker Mike Johnson declines to commit to a future health care vote; some Republicans open to subsidy extensions but with tighter eligibility limits.
Longest government shutdown in history continues as Klobuchar stands by Schumer plan
New information:
- Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer offered to end the shutdown if Republicans back a one-year extension of ACA subsidies.
- Sen. Amy Klobuchar backed Schumer’s offer on the Senate floor, calling it 'a practical plan.'
- Senate Republicans publicly rejected the offer, framing it as '$35 billion next year to insurance companies' with 'no fraud controls.'
- A potential 15th Senate vote on the GOP CR was uncertain as of Friday, with talk of amending it to extend funding into January.
- President Trump urged ending the Senate filibuster to pass funding with a simple majority; Majority Leader John Thune said there aren’t enough votes to do so.
Democrats consider prolonging the shutdown as Republicans prepare new bills without health care fix
New information:
- Senate Majority Leader John Thune kept the Senate in session and readied a bipartisan package for a test vote as soon as Friday.
- The proposal would fund specific areas (food aid, veterans programs, the legislative branch) and extend overall government funding only until Nov. 21.
- Democrats have voted 14 times against reopening without an extension of expiring ACA subsidies; Republicans remain about five votes short.
- Moderate Democrats, led by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, have explored a deal to reopen now in exchange for a future vote on health‑care subsidies.
- Trump urged Republicans to end the shutdown, calling it a 'negative' factor for the GOP in recent elections.
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