Congress Races to End 42-Day Shutdown as Reps Slam Leadership

The U.S. Senate advanced a short-term spending bill Monday evening with a 60-40 vote, overcoming a filibuster threat to address the 42-day government shutdown that has furloughed thousands of federal employees and disrupted services nationwide. The measure, now headed to the House for a probable Wednesday vote, funds the government through January 30, 2027, covering appropriations for the legislative branch, agriculture, Veterans Affairs, and military construction.[3] Rep. Melanie Stansbury, D-N.M., the top Democrat on the House Oversight Subcommittee for government efficiency, criticized Senate Democrats for compromising on protections but praised the bill's safeguards against mass firings. The package explicitly prohibits the Trump administration from conducting reductions in force (RIFs) during the shutdown and mandates reinstatement with back pay for employees dismissed amid the crisis. Stansbury called the administration's actions illegal under current employment laws.[3] Republican Rep. Tim Burchett of Tennessee lambasted Senate leadership for passing rival funding bills that left key agencies like FEMA, TSA, and the Coast Guard underfunded, impacting federal workers and air travel. Burchett's remarks, aired on Fox News March 30, highlighted the shutdown's exacerbation of economic strain on the public.[1] Stansbury pinned blame on House Republicans' infighting and a summer "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," dubbed the "Big Ugly Bill," for steering the nation into shutdown. She urged paying federal workers without concessions to ICE funding or rights erosion, echoing calls from both parties to reopen government and resume programs like SNAP benefits.[2][3] Earlier GOP dissent included Rep. Kevin Kiley of California slamming his party on MSNBC in November 2025 over SNAP funding delays, stressing the human cost to families. Rep. Moran accused Democrats of political gamesmanship prolonging the pain.[4][6] With the House set to act Wednesday, the bill's passage could avert deeper crises in healthcare and travel, though critics warn of recurring shutdown risks without broader fiscal reforms.[3][6]