READING, Pa. – The effort to end the longest government shutdown ever is now heading to the U.S. House after the Senate approved a plan to fund most agencies until January 30th and fully fund the food assistance program known as SNAP through September.
House members have been told to return to Washington.
Democratic Congresswoman Madeleine Dean, who serves parts of Berks and Montgomery counties, says she supports reopening the government but calls the deal “far from finished.”
“I’m disappointed that the Senate Democrats didn’t hold out longer. But I am heartened that people will be paid, federal workers will be paid, that ATF workers will be paid, that food pantries might get the greater support that we owe them, that we appropriate to them,” said Dean.
The bill does not include an extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies.
Republicans we contacted say Democrats in the Senate waited too long to compromise.
GOP Congressman Ryan Mackenzie, who serves the Lehigh Valley, released a statement saying: “At a time of division, it’s essential that both parties embrace bipartisan compromise. We could have restored pay and funding sooner. I urge the House to pass this now.”
And Republican Congressman Dan Meuser, whose district includes part of Berks and Schuylkill counties, added: “I still believe there are commonsense Democrats who will stand with us, put country over party, and vote to get this deal passed.”