What's in the deal to end the government shutdown?

WASHINGTON – Millions of Americans on food assistance breathed a sigh of relief Sunday after lawmakers reached a tentative deal that could protect their benefits through next year.

The bipartisan agreement struck by moderate lawmakers on Nov. 9 is now on track for full approval this week in Congress. Once it clears all its procedural hurdles, it could end a monthlong stalemate that has left countless people unable to travel, pay their rent or leave their kids at preschool.

As part of the agreement, more money will start pumping into the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, through next September. Congress will also again begin funding many other domestic agencies and programs, including for veterans' benefits and military construction.

For much of the government, funding would only continue through Jan. 30 (until Congress passes more spending bills).

In addition, the agreement would reverse recent layoffs of thousands of federal workers, while barring any further firings until Jan. 30. Those terminations have been temporarily barred by a federal court. 

But on Democrats' main ask, the accord fell short for many progressives. It includes a commitment to vote on potentially extending expiring Obamacare subsidies. The tax credits, which millions of Americans rely on for help paying premiums, have been the issue at the center of the shutdown fight.

That vote will likely take place in the second week of December. It's unclear whether it will pass, though, especially since President Donald Trump has opposed the subsidies.

Zachary Schermele is a congressional reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach him by email at [email protected]. Follow him on X at @ZachSchermele and Bluesky at @zachschermele.bsky.social