Government Shutdown

The government’s preppin’ to reopen its doors. 

The Senate approved a spending bill Monday to end the longest shutdown in U.S. history, sending it to the House for a midweek vote. White House officials urged speedy passage, and President Trump indicated he’ll Sharpie it once it hits his desk—the final step needed to reopen the government.

Here’s what the bill would do:

• Provide stop-gap funding for the entire government through January 30
• Fully fund veterans affairs, military construction, the legislative branch, and the Department of Agriculture (including SNAP) through September 30, 2026
• Reverse mass layoffs of federal workers during the shutdown

Senate Republicans have promised a separate mid-December vote on healthcare tax credits.

Meanwhile, Trump floated docking pay for air traffic controllers who missed shifts during the shutdown and offering $10K bonuses to those who didn’t. 

(We’re covering this story at a 7th-grade reading level with biblical reflection and action steps in Decaf: The Pour Over for Families. Sign up free to get it in your inbox tomorrow!)

ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
Our hope is never contingent on a political outcome; it’s much more secure than that. Regardless of whether things get worse or better during your lifetime, everything eventually ends well for followers of Christ.

“The life of every living thing is in his hand, as well as the breath of all humanity.” 
Job 12:10 (CSB) (read full passage)