CONGRESS VOTES TO END SHUTDOWN

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Update October 17, 2013:  President Obama signed the measure into law last night, ending the shutdown.

By Nadin Abbott

October 16, 2013 (San Diego)--Tonight both the House and the Senate voted to end the government shutdown and raise the debt ceiling—just in time to prevent the U.S. from defaulting on our national debt by tomorrow’s deadline. The measure will fund the Government until January 15 and raise the ceiling until February 17. Moreover, a conference committee between the House and the Senate to discuss the budget has finally been appointed.

Among San Diego’s Congressional delegation, only Republican Duncan Hunter was unwilling to prevent a default on America’s debts, casting a “no” vote.  Republican Darrell Issa joined with Democrats Susan Davis, Juan Vargas and Scott Peters to vote in favor of the continuing resolution to find the government and end the shutdown. Overall in the House, 285 voted yes and 144 voted no. 

The vote in the Senate was overwhelming, with 81 of 100 Senators voting for the bill, including most Republicans.  California Senators Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein both voted yes.

The shut-down began after House Republicans sought to defund the Affordable Healthcare Act known as Obamacare.  Republicans won one minor concession,clarifying verification to assure that people qualify for any subsidies under the Affordable Healthcare Act. On the Senate side, the only  rider added was funding for a dam in Kentucky.

Prominent members of Congress such as Rep. Peter King (R-New York) have said the majority votes in the House were there all along, but Speaker Boehner had refused to allow a floor vote until the final hours before the default would occur.

In effect the shutdown is over and the government will reopen as soon as President Barack Obama signs the measure, which he promised to do as soon as it reaches his desk.


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