The House of Representatives is preparing to vote on a federal spending bill that could bring an end to the ongoing government shutdown. This legislative measure has already passed the Senate and received support from President Donald Trump. The bill allocates funding for critical programs, including SNAP benefits and back pay for furloughed workers, while addressing significant disruptions in air travel. Notably, the legislation does not include subsidies for the Affordable Care Act, a point of contention among lawmakers.
The Senate passed the spending bill on November 10, 2025, with bipartisan backing. Eight Democratic senators joined their Republican counterparts in supporting the measure. President Trump has publicly endorsed the bill and is urging its swift passage in the House. If approved, the bill would enable federal agencies to reopen and restore services, effectively concluding a prolonged period of governmental disruption that has affected numerous Americans.
Key Provisions of the Spending Bill
The proposed legislation primarily aims to fund the government until January 30, 2026. It ensures that essential agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Veterans Affairs, receive funding for the remainder of the fiscal year. A critical aspect of the bill is its commitment to fully fund SNAP benefits through September 2026, providing essential financial support to vulnerable individuals and families. The enactment of this bill will facilitate the immediate distribution of funds to SNAP beneficiaries.
According to data from the Bipartisan Policy Center, the shutdown has resulted in the furlough of at least 670,000 federal employees. This includes essential personnel like those in the Capitol Police, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and air traffic control, who have been required to work without pay during this period. The bill includes measures to ensure back pay for these furloughed workers and to reverse any firings related to the shutdown, in accordance with the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019, which was signed into law by Trump.
Impact on Air Travel and Staffing Concerns
The government shutdown has significantly impacted air travel, causing disruptions across the nation. Although air traffic controllers were not furloughed, a shortage in staffing led the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to implement a 10% reduction in flights across 40 airports. This decision resulted in thousands of flight cancellations and delays, compounding the frustrations of travelers.
During a recent press briefing, a representative from the FAA indicated that air traffic controllers would receive approximately 70% of their back pay within 24 to 48 hours following the reopening of the government. Attendance among air traffic controllers is reportedly increasing, suggesting some alleviation of staffing shortages.
In a controversial move, President Trump suggested a $10,000 bonus for air traffic controllers who did not take any time off during the shutdown. However, further details on the implementation of this bonus have yet to be announced. Additionally, Trump expressed dissatisfaction with those who took leave during the shutdown, advocating for their removal from the profession, despite ongoing staffing challenges.
The Department of Transportation has announced plans to ease the 10% flight cuts once staffing levels return to pre-shutdown conditions. Nonetheless, no specific timeline has been established for when flight schedules and capacities will normalize. When questioned about the potential return to regular travel operations, Trump expressed optimism, highlighting plans for technological upgrades in control towers while refraining from addressing the underlying staffing issues.
While the spending bill does not accommodate the Affordable Care Act subsidies sought by Democrats, Senate Republican leadership has assured that a vote on a related bill will be facilitated in December. House Speaker Mike Johnson has not committed to a similar vote, leaving the future of ACA subsidies uncertain.
As the House prepares for the vote, the nation remains focused on the implications of this spending bill. The outcome will determine not only the fate of federal operations but also the well-being of countless Americans affected by the shutdown.