Lucrezia Ciotti After weeks of political stalemate, the U.S. Senate has approved a agreement bipartisan to end the shutdown that has paralyzed the federal government. The agreement, which guarantees funding until January 30, provides for the reinstatement of suspended public employees and the payment of back wages. This is a temporary solution, pending further negotiations between Democrats and Republicans for a lasting budget compromise.
Trade truce between China and the United States after the Xi-Trump summit
On the international front, China has announced the one-year suspension of port taxes taxes on ships tied to the United States, a sign of easing bilateral relations after months of trade tension. The decision, announced by Beijing's Ministry of Commerce, followed the summit between President Xi Jinping and Donald Trump, held on October 30 in South Korea.
The provision, which entered into force effective immediately, suspends the tariffs of $56 per net ton introduced on October 14 in response to the duties imposed by Washington against Chinese vessels.
The measure will remain valid for twelve months and aims to create a more favorable climate for dialogue between the two powers. Analysts see the tariff suspension as a significant political gesture, capable of easing pressure on markets and paving the way for new trade negotiations.
In this scenario of renewed balance, the United States now finds itself simultaneously managing two crucial fronts: the internal recovery after the shutdown and the search for stability in relations with Beijing.
US Senate reaches agreement to end shutdown: next steps
In the United States it was finally a bipartisan agreement was reached in the Senate to put an end to the shutdown which had been paralyzing federal offices for weeks. The agreement provides for the government refinancing until January 30, allowing the gradual reopening of agencies and the return to work of thousands of suspended or laid-off public employees. The measure also establishes that staff on forced leave will receive retroactive pay, a measure strongly supported by Democrats.It looks like we're nearing the end of the shutdown.“, said President Donald Trump upon his return to the White House after a weekend spent at the Mar-a-Lago residence.
According to Democratic Senator Tim Kaine, the proposal “will protect federal officials from wrongful termination, reinstate those who were wrongfully fired during the shutdown, and ensure that federal officials receive their salaries retroactively.”. However, Minority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed reservations about the agreement, noting that “This fight will continue and must continue”, as several questions remain open, including the future of food and health assistance programs.
A decisive step was represented by the approval of the budget law in the Senate, with 60 votes in favor and 40 against, which marks a turning point in the path toward reopening the federal government. The measure will now have to be reviewed by the House of Representatives, where the position of a part of the Democrats remains uncertain, to then be sent to President Donald Trump, whose signature is necessary for it to become law and allow the full resumption of government activities.
The agreement includes three bills intended to guarantee the funding of some Departments, including that of agriculture, through the end of the next fiscal year, and a resolution extending funds to the rest of the administration at current spending levels through 30st January. Furthermore, the agreement ensures resources to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the food assistance program that supports millions of American families, whose coverage is confirmed until next September.
As reported from Adnkronos, to support the compromise were eight Democratic senators: Jeanne Shaheen, Maggie Hassan, Angus king, Catherine Cortez Masto (Nevada), Dick Durbin (Illinois), John Fetterman (Pennsylvania), Tim Kaine (Virginia) e Jacky Rosen (Nevada), who chose to vote alongside the Republicans to speed up the end of the shutdown.