Government shutdown ends

The House of Representatives passed a bill last Wednesday night ending the shutdown of the federal government. The bill was passed by the Senate and President Barack Obama has signed the bill into law.

Under the agreement reached, a continuing resolution funding government operations through January 15, 2014 is enacted. The measure also raises the debt ceiling to a projected date of February 7, 2014. The Senate will also consider another separate proposal to instruct House and Senate negotiators to reach accord by December 13, 2013 on a long-term blueprint for tax and spending policies over the next decade. Although the legislation reopens the federal government immediately, there could be residual delays in programs as workers address issues caused by the 16 day lapse.