Senate Reveals Key Details of Shutdown Deal
The U.S. Senate has passed significant legislation aimed at ending the longest government shutdown in history. This bill was approved on a 60-40 vote, with bipartisan cooperation to overcome filibuster blocks. Notably, seven Democrats and one independent joined Republicans to push the deal forward.
Key Details of the Shutdown Deal
This comprehensive deal is designed to fund the majority of the federal government through January 30, 2024. It encompasses several crucial agencies and programs:
- Department of Veterans Affairs
- Military Construction
- Department of Agriculture
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Congress itself, funded through September 2026
The bill also mandates reimbursement for states that incurred federal expenses during the shutdown, including those providing SNAP benefits.
Mass Layoffs and Security Funding
A critical aspect of the deal is the reversal of mass layoffs of federal employees that occurred during the shutdown. This measure requires that layoffs be undone within five days of the bill’s enactment.
Security measures have also seen significant funding boosts:
- $30 million allocated for U.S. Marshals to protect judges and officials over the next two fiscal years
- An additional $28 million for the security of Supreme Court justices
- $30 million for U.S. Capitol Police for mutual aid and training, plus a $45 million increase compared to last year’s funding
- About $203 million allocated for member security across both chambers of Congress
Legal Provisions and Earmarks
One notable provision allows senators to sue if their communication providers do not disclose requests for their data from prosecutors, potentially affecting Republican senators involved in ongoing inquiries.
The package includes numerous earmarks, aimed at specific community projects. Lawmakers have designated these funds to benefit their districts, with details available in accompanying explanatory statements.
Other Highlights
- A wide-reaching ban on unregulated hemp products containing THC, aimed at addressing public safety concerns
- An increase of $603 million for the WIC program, raising its total funding to $8.2 billion
- An $844 million boost for military construction projects over previous budget requests
- A directive banning the VA from purchasing technology from specified Chinese manufacturers
Looking Ahead
As Congress prepares for a final vote in the House on Wednesday evening, the implications of this extensive deal will continue to unfold. The upcoming days will reveal more intricate details of this legislative package, highlighting its impact on federal operations and funding.
