Chapter 1: What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
Live from NPR News, I'm Giles Snyder. On Capitol Hill, lawmakers have taken a major step toward bringing the longest government shutdown in U.S. history to an end. The Senate Monday night approved a stopgap measure that would reopen the government.
Chapter 2: What steps are lawmakers taking to end the government shutdown?
NPR's Sam Greenglass reports.
At the core is a resolution funding parts of the government through the end of January. The Senate has been voting on a version of that for weeks now. What's new is this stopgap is now paired with three full-year appropriations bills that would fund some agencies, including ones providing food. food assistance and services for veterans.
The package also has a provision to reverse the firings of federal employees during the shutdown. That same section would prevent more layoffs through January 30th. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has also promised a vote on expiring health insurance subsidies.
Speaker Mike Johnson is urging lawmakers to return to Washington, saying the House must vote as quickly as possible to send the measure to President Trump's desk. Air travelers still facing frustration at airports around the country.
The flight tracking website FlightAware says there are more than 400 delays so far Tuesday and 1,100 cancellations due to controller shortages and the FAA's order to reduce traffic out of safety concerns. Airports across the country have started donation drives to support federal workers who are not getting paid during the government shutdown.
That includes rural states like Wyoming, as Wyoming Public Radio's Chris Clements reports.
Shelly Beasle works at an airport near Gillette, the biggest city around for over 100 miles. She says the work their 12 TSA agents do helps keep the lights on in a hub that supports other aspects of rural life.
The hospital depends on us, the school district, the county government, the city government, the coal mines, many, many different facets of business.
At least one agent had to get a second job to support his family, she says. Plus, even if the shutdown ends later this week, TSA workers will still miss two more paychecks. For NPR News, I'm Chris Clements in Laramie.
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