US Senate passes bill to end govt shutdown, sends to House; 'you get some rest,' says John Thune

Key Concepts

• Government Reopening: The primary outcome of the vote, ending a federal government shutdown.
• Appropriations Bill: Legislation that provides funding for government operations.
• Federal Employee Compensation: Ensuring that federal workers, regardless of their status during the shutdown (furloughed, laid off, forced to work without pay), receive their earned wages.
• Veterans Affairs (VA) Appropriations: Specific funding allocated for the VA, passed in time for Veterans Day.
• Conference Agreement: A compromise reached between the House and Senate on the appropriations bill.
• Government Shutdown: A period when non-essential government functions cease due to a failure to pass appropriations bills.
• Senate Working Capacity: The demonstration that the Senate can collaborate and achieve legislative results.

Vote Outcome and Bill Passage

The transcript details the successful passage of an amended bill. The vote count was 60 "ayes" to 40 "nays." Following this vote, a motion to reconsider was automatically considered and laid upon the table, signifying the finality of the bill's passage.

Reopening Government and Employee Compensation

A core consequence of this legislative action is the reopening of the government. A significant point emphasized is the commitment to ensuring that all federal employees who experienced the shutdown will receive their earned compensation. This includes those who were furloughed, laid off, or compelled to work without pay.

Veterans Affairs Appropriations

The passage of the appropriations bill for the Veterans Affairs (VA) is highlighted as a crucial achievement, particularly as it allows for the celebration of Veterans Day with this funding secured.

Acknowledgements and Gratitude

The speaker expresses profound gratitude to numerous individuals and groups whose efforts were instrumental in reaching this resolution:

• Colleagues: Appreciation is extended to fellow senators for their contributions.
• Staff: Special thanks are given to the staff who "worked night and day, literally," and "went without sleep and worked continuously."
• Appropriators: Specific commendation is directed towards the chairs of the three relevant committees: Senator Boseman, Senator Hovind, and Senator Mullen.
• House Counterparts: Chairman Cole from the House is thanked for his "night and day" work in achieving conference agreements.
• Democratic Colleagues: Their "courageous realization" that the shutdown's harmful consequences could not continue is acknowledged.
• Leadership: Leader Thun and Leader Baraso are thanked for their hard work and the efforts of their respective staffs.

Justification for the Bill and Ending the Shutdown

The speaker argues that the shutdown had "harmful consequences growing worse with each passing day." The decision to pass the bill was framed as a necessary step to prevent further damage and to demonstrate the Senate's ability to function effectively.

Impact on Senators and the Public

The speaker acknowledges the "immense" strain the shutdown weeks have placed on senators, recognizing their personal responsibilities such as families, rent, bills, and car/mortgage payments. The speaker expresses gratitude for their dedication to keeping the Senate operational and serving the country, "shut down or no shutdown."

Conclusion and Synthesis

The passage of the appropriations bill marks a "great victory for the American people" and serves as proof that "the Senate can work" and "produce the results that are needed." After "six excruciating weeks," the immediate goal is to allow senators to rest. The core takeaway is the successful resolution of a government shutdown, ensuring the reopening of federal operations, compensation for federal employees, and crucial funding for the VA, achieved through extensive collaboration and dedicated effort.