SC Alaska News

Following the Senate's recent vote on H.R. 5371, the Continuing Appropriations and Extension Act, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) issued a statement regarding efforts to reopen the federal government.

"Tonight, I joined my Senate colleagues in voting to begin to reopen the federal government. We have agreed to a broad framework to fund government operations through January 30, pass three appropriations bills, provide back pay for federal workers, reinstate federal employees who were fired during the shutdown, and prevent mass firings for a roughly three-month period. Leader Thune has also agreed to hold a vote on a Democratic proposal to help tax credits that lower the cost of health insurance for Americans no later than the 2nd week in December. As we mark Day 41 of a shutdown that is severely impacting tens of millions of Americans, from missed paychecks to snarled air travel to the loss of SNAP benefits, I hope we are finally seeing light at the end of this truly miserable tunnel," Murkowski said.

The legislation aims to temporarily fund government operations until January 30 and includes measures such as passing three appropriations bills and providing back pay for federal workers affected by the shutdown. It also seeks to reinstate employees dismissed during this period and prevent additional layoffs over approximately three months. The agreement further commits Senate leadership to schedule a vote on expanding tax credits intended to reduce health insurance costs by mid-December.