How Mass. lawmakers are reacting to the deal that could end the government shutdown

"The end of the longest government shutdown in American history is in sight. The Senate passed a funding package Monday night that broke the stalemate. Now, the bill must pass the House and be signed by President Donald Trump. House members are reportedly preparing to vote on the measure as soon as Wednesday, and the government shutdown could be over by the end of the week."

"It funds all government agencies through at least the end of January, guarantees that federal employees laid off during the shutdown are rehired, and grants federal workers backpay. During the shutdown, Democrats made their central demand an extension of federal health care subsidies that are set to expire at the end of the year. If these are not extended, some 330,000 Massachusetts residents will see their health insurance costs "skyrocket" on Jan. 1, Gov. Maura Healey said this week."

The Senate passed a funding package that would end the longest government shutdown if the House and President approve it. Eight Senate Democrats broke rank to support the measure. The package funds government agencies through at least the end of January, requires rehiring of laid-off federal employees, and provides backpay. The deal does not explicitly extend Affordable Care Act subsidies that expire at year end. Without an extension, about 330,000 Massachusetts residents could face steeply higher insurance costs. Republican leaders have not committed to an extension, and a Senate vote would need 60 votes to pass. Representative Seth Moulton criticized the deal for failing to protect the subsidies and urged leadership changes.

Read at Boston.com