US government shutdown ends
Democrats agree to temporary funding bill despite the lack of agreement on immigration
The US government shutdown has come to an end after a temporary funding bill was passed by lawmakers and signed by Donald Trump late last night.
The bill guarantees federal government funding until 8 February, “in the hope that Congress can reach a longer-term budget agreement in the meantime” the BBC reports.
The shutdown began at midnight on Friday night, when Democrats refused to fund the government unless Republicans agreed to protect more than 700,000 so-called “Dreamers” – young immigrants who had been brought into the US illegally while they were children.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Last night, however, most Democrats in the Senate agreed to pass the funding bill following an agreement between Republican leader Mitch McConnell and his Democrat counterpart Charles Schumer to debate the matter in February.
The bill then passed by 81 votes to 18. The no votes consisted of 16 Democrats, including a number of possible candidates for president in 2020, and two “libertarian-minded Republicans”, The Guardian says.
The Washington Post says the pact between McConnell and Schumer “unnerved liberal activists”, who remain unsure that McConnell will come through with his end of the bargain.
The President, however, was delighted. “I am pleased that Democrats in Congress have come to their senses,” Donald Trump said. “We will make a long-term deal on immigration if, and only if, it is good for our country.”
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
The mental health crisis affecting vets
Under The Radar Death of Hampshire vet highlights mental health issues plaguing the industry
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
The Onion is having a very ironic laugh with Infowars
The Explainer The satirical newspaper is purchasing the controversial website out of bankruptcy
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
'Rahmbo, back from Japan, will be looking for a job? Really?'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Flies attack Donald Trump
Tall Tales And other stories from the stranger side of life
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Ascension island: UK could send small boats arrivals to remote Atlantic territory
Speed Read UK government weighs up alternatives if Rwanda scheme is ruled unlawful by Supreme Court
By Sorcha Bradley Published
-
Donald Trump criminal charges for 6 January could strain 2024 candidacy
Speed Read Former president’s ‘pettifoggery’ won’t work well at trial, said analyst
By Chas Newkey-Burden Published
-
Justice Department sues Texas over Mexico border buoys
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Donald Trump in the dock: a fraught moment for US democracy
Talking Point There is speculation that former president could end up running his 2024 election campaign from behind bars
By The Week Staff Published
-
Donald Trump indicted again: is latest threat of prison a game changer?
Today's Big Question The former president ‘really could be going to jail’ but Republicans ‘may not care’ say commentators
By Chas Newkey-Burden Published
-
Trump told he could face charges over classified Mar-a-Lago documents
Speed Read A second criminal indictment is on the cards for the former US president and current Republican frontrunner
By Sorcha Bradley Published
-
The return of Donald Trump to prime-time television
feature CNN executives have been condemned over the former president’s televised town hall
By The Week Staff Published