Partial Federal Shutdown Ends

After the longest government shutdown in history, Congressional leaders and the president finally came to an agreement to temporarily reopen the government while negotiations continue on border security. The plan does not include funding for the southern border wall. On Friday, both chambers passed the three-week spending patch and the president signed it into law, allowing agencies to reopen and start paying federal workers who have been furloughed or forced to work for free. Congressional leaders and the president now have until February 15 to an agreement on border security. However, the president has indicated if a deal can’t be made, he might close the government again or fund the wall by declaring a national emergency.