After a marathon overnight session, Congress is one step closer to ending the 42-day government shutdown, the longest in U.S. history. Lawmakers debated for more than six hours before advancing the bipartisan funding bill out of committee early Wednesday morning. Every Republican voted in favor while Democrats opposed the measure, according to Fox News.
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If approved, the deal would reopen the government and extend funding through Jan. 30 while Congress works on a longer-term budget. The shutdown has left federal employees without pay and strained agencies like the TSA and FAA, leading to travel delays and growing frustration across the country. A final House vote is expected later Wednesday evening.