U.S. Senate Fails to End Government Shutdown for 14th Time
The U.S. Senate was unable to approve a proposed funding bill intended to end the 35-day federal government shutdown, according to the English section of webangah News Agency, citing Bloomberg Television.
Senate Democrats blocked, for the fourteenth time, the budget proposal led by Trump and Republicans designed to reopen the government.
The vote ended with 54 in favor and 44 against-falling short of the 60 votes needed for passage. No additional Democrats supported the measure, leaving progress stalled for now.
This marks the longest government shutdown in U.S. history at 35 days.
The shutdown has had a direct and severe impact on federal employees.
congressional Budget Office estimates indicate that up to 750,000 federal workers have been furloughed without pay until a new budget is approved.
Simultaneously occurring, about 700,000 essential employees continue working without pay during this period.
The government shutdown has also disrupted a wide range of public services.
Air traffic control is facing significant challenges as well.
Earlier today, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean duffy warned that if the shutdown continues, parts of U.S. airspace might need to be closed.”If this persists another week,” he said, “we will see complete chaos in air transportation.” The shortage of air traffic controllers will worsen because of the shutdown just as travel peaks during holiday season.
Democratic lawmakers maintain they will not vote to reopen the government until Republicans agree to negotiate extensions on health subsidies. Republicans counter that there will be no talks until after government reopening occurs.
