Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
WASHINGTON, November 13 (Xinhua) — The U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a Senate-approved government funding bill, ending a congressional impasse that has led to the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.
The House of Representatives voted 222-209 to approve the agreement, two days after the Senate voted 60-40 to approve the spending package. The bill now goes to President Donald Trump, who is expected to sign it soon.
The package provides funding for most federal agencies at current levels through January 30, while providing funding for the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Veterans Affairs, military construction, and congressional operations for the full fiscal year, as well as SNAP, the food assistance program whose funding was jeopardized by the extended government shutdown.
The latest measures reverse layoffs made by federal agencies since the government shutdown began on October 1 and prohibit any further staff reductions until the temporary budget expires on January 30.
The bill also provides for back pay payments to all federal employees who were unpaid during the government shutdown. While these payments are standard practice, Trump warned that furloughed federal employees may not receive them.
As part of the deal to end the shutdown, Senate Majority Leader John Thune promised Democratic senators a vote "no later than the second week of December" to extend subsidies under the Affordable Care Act.
Some Democrats objected, noting that Republicans had only promised to hold a vote and had not guaranteed the continuation of subsidies that were set to expire at the end of the year. Protecting health benefits remains a central demand of Democrats.
The approved package covers only three of the 12 appropriations bills Congress must pass each year.
The parties will continue negotiations on the remaining nine budget bills until the end of January. If agreement is not reached, the US government could face another shutdown.
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