Washington, Jan 23: Ending a three-day standoff that left federal agencies and thousands of people affected, the United States senate voted on Monday to reopen the Government. By a vote of 81-18, the Senate agreed to end the debate on a bill that would extend the government funding through February 8. The three-week funding bill still needs to pass on a final up-or-down vote, but it is now a formality. The House is expected to approve the bill soon, the Hill reported.
Taking a jibe at Democrats, the United States President Donald Trump welcomed the end of the three-day and said that they (Democrats) had ‘come to their senses’. “I am pleased that Dems in Congress have come to their senses,” Trump reportedly said in a statement.
He added that he was ready to make a deal with the Democrats on immigration only if it was “good” for the country.
The White House also announced that the United States Government will be running at its full strength from Tuesday. Releasing a statement, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said,”The Senate will head to the Office of Management and Budget after the bill is presumably passed by the House, paving the way for President (Donald) Trump’s signature probably in the late afternoon, or early evening.”
“All government offices that were closed earlier would start back in full capacity by tomorrow morning”, the statement added.
(With inputs from agencies)