Senate reaches deal to end government shutdown

Clouds are reflected in the U.S. Capitol reflecting pool at daybreak in Washington Jan. 22 as day three of the government shutdown continues. (J. David Ake/AP)

WASHINGTON — Senate leaders reached agreement Monday to end the government shutdown and pass a three-week budget extension they hope will give lawmakers time to sort lingering disagreements over immigration and federal fiscal policies.

The deal, advanced by the Senate shortly after lunchtime, must still be approved by the House and president. But both are expected to sign on as soon as tonight in order to restart government operations.

Non-essential programs began shutting down Saturday morning after the Senate failed to approve a four-week budget extension over Democratic concerns that broader issues were being ignored.

The three-day shutdown caused brief furloughs for hundreds of thousands of defense civilian employees, including workers at the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs.

Armed Forces Network television programming was briefly halted for overseas military bases as workers were sent home. Daycare centers on bases were shuttered, and many non-serious military medical appointments were cancelled. Some VA call centers were closed, and veterans were warned of possible office closings in the days to come.

Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., chairman of the House Armed Services Committee’s readiness panel, said Monday that 2,000 South Carolina Guardsmen who were preparing to drill this weekend were sent home instead, and 750 Guard mechanics were laid off.

Source: https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2018/01/22/senate-reaches-deal-to-end-government-shutdown/