Senate Advances Deal to End Government Shutdown as President Urges Air Traffic Controllers to Return
The Senate moved forward on a bipartisan agreement Thursday aimed at ending the longest federal shutdown in U.S. history, bringing an estimated $15 billion in unfunded services back online. The proposal, which would fund the government through the end of the fiscal year, received a majority of votes in the chamber and is expected to be sent to the House for further consideration.
President Donald Trump took to Truth Social shortly after the Senate vote, emphasizing the need for air traffic controllers to resume their duties. In a brief post, the president noted that controllers who continued to work during the shutdown could be eligible for a performance bonus, and he urged all personnel to return to their stations to avoid further disruptions to the national airspace system.
The shutdown, which began in early October over a dispute over federal spending levels, has affected a wide range of services, from national parks to federal paychecks. Federal employees have endured delayed wages, while travelers have faced flight delays and cancellations due to reduced staffing at air traffic control centers. Industry analysts estimate that the cumulative economic impact could exceed $3 billion.
Officials from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that staffing shortages have forced the agency to limit nonessential operations, but they declined to provide specific numbers on the number of controllers currently on strike or working under the bonus program. A spokesperson for the Department of Transportation said the agency remains committed to maintaining safety and is monitoring the situation closely.
Political leaders on both sides of the aisle expressed cautious optimism. Senate leaders highlighted the deal’s inclusion of a modest increase in discretionary spending and a framework for future budget negotiations. House leaders indicated they would review the proposal before taking action, noting the need to address lingering concerns about long‑term fiscal policy.
Experts predict that if the Senate agreement is approved by the full Congress within the next few days, federal operations could resume fully by early December, restoring paychecks to millions of workers and reducing travel disruptions. In the meantime, the administration continues to encourage cooperation among essential personnel, including air traffic controllers, to mitigate the immediate impacts of the shutdown.
