WASHINGTON, D.C. — Veterans across the country have been feeling the impact of the now six-week government shutdown.
However, last night the U.S. Senate passed a funding bill that is expected to reopen the government in a matter of days.
From paused SNAP benefits and VA services to travel disruptions and missed paychecks, there has been no shortage of serious consequences from this shutdown. But the end appears to be in sight, with a House vote expected to seal the deal — ending the shutdown before the end of the week.
One day after the Senate passed the funding plan, President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance honored America’s veterans during a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery on Tuesday.
“Generation after generation, America’s warriors have left behind the comforts of home and family to face violence, evil and death so that our families could know joy, goodness and peace,” said Trump.
During his remarks, Trump congratulated Republican leaders in Congress for passing the funding measure that is expected to reopen the government through Jan. 30. If signed into law, it would restore veteran services that have been impacted over the course of the six-week shutdown.
“It’s a very big victory. We’re opening up our country. Should have never been closed,” Trump said.
The broader funding package includes three full-year appropriations bills that deal with the legislative branch, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and SNAP, military construction and veterans affairs.
For the VA, it would mean full funding for veteran medical care and benefits, investments in counseling and training programs, and the preservation of national military cemeteries and memorials — for an entire year, regardless of whether there’s another shutdown.
“Our troops will get paid for the entire year. Our VA employees will get paid for the entire year,” said Rep. Nick Langworthy, R-N.Y.
Langworthy said it will provide certainty for veterans — regardless of what happens after Jan. 30.
“When this C.R. expires Jan. 30, if for some reason the other side wants to add dramatic effect again, they can’t hurt people like they could if those appropriations bills were not attached,” Langworthy added.
For over a month, regional VA benefits offices around the country have been closed. The G.I. Bill hotline has been shut down, as have several career counseling and transition assistance services.
The deal reached in the Senate also includes an agreement to reverse the federal firings during the shutdown and ensure that all federal workers get paid what they were owed during the closure.
Notably absent from the Senate’s plan is an extension of enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits — a cornerstone to the six-week impasse. Democrats have repeatedly warned that health care costs would skyrocket for millions of Americans if no action was taken. In the Senate’s deal — struck between eight Democrats and all but one Republican — legislation to extend the ACA tax credits was guaranteed to receive a vote, though there’s no guarantee it will pass.
“It doesn’t change the core problem here, which is we need to decisively address the Republican health care crisis on behalf of working-class Americans, everyday Americans and middle-class Americans,” said House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., on Monday.
The House is expected to consider the Senate’s plan Wednesday.
“We’ll continue to wage this fight, no matter what comes over to us from the United States Senate to the House of Representatives at some point this week,” Jeffries added.
