Shutdown Deal Restores Federal Pay, Protects Food Aid, and Sets Up Key Health Care Vote

Congress has struck a breakthrough agreement to end the government shutdown, with Republicans and Democrats finding common ground after weeks of bitter deadlock. The deal ensures that federal employees from military personnel and Coast Guard members to TSA screeners, air-traffic controllers, and Capitol police will receive their back wages, bringing relief to thousands of households hit hard by the closure.

The resolution also secures funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for a full year, protecting food benefits for millions of low-income families. In addition, the measure reverses parts of the mass layoffs that had crippled federal agencies, allowing critical services to resume.

As part of the compromise, Republicans agreed to hold a December vote on extending Affordable Care Act subsidies, a major priority for Democrats who argue the subsidies are vital to keeping health insurance affordable.

While the deal reopens the government and restores stability, the upcoming vote on health care subsidies is expected to reignite fierce debate. For now, however, the agreement marks a significant step toward easing the immediate crisis and offering relief to workers and families across the nation.