President Trump declares a “big victory” as bipartisan Senate deal paves way to end the longest US government shutdown affecting federal workers.
WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump declared victory over Democrats as the longest US government shutdown appeared near its end.
Trump made the announcement during his Veterans Day address at Arlington National Cemetery on Tuesday.
He specifically congratulated Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, calling the development “a very big victory.”
The shutdown had left one million federal workers unpaid and disrupted holiday air travel.
Eight Senate Democrats broke with their party to support a funding bill through January.
This compromise legislation now heads to the House of Representatives for Wednesday consideration.
Many senior Democrats expressed disappointment over abandoning health insurance subsidy demands.
The internal party division follows recent Democratic election victories in three states.
Trump confirmed he would reverse federal worker dismissals occurring during the shutdown.
The president also announced plans to rename Veterans Day as “Victory Day” for World War I.
He proposed similar recognition for May 8th regarding World War II.
Trump earlier laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington. – AFP