The immediate threat of a US government shutdown is over for now.
US press reported that Congress passed a stopgap funding bill, averting a shutdown (caused by Republicans’ inability to agree on budget) that would have disrupted many services. Airport staff would have been placed on leave of absence and the entire situation created a degree of uncertainty around the continuity of US aviation services, such as ATNS, see here.
The funding bill will only give the government a further 45 days to avert another potential shutdown.
If agreement cannot be reached by November 17, millions of federal government workers will again face work without pay.
US government agencies are already believed to have drawn up detailed plans for a shutdown – what services would continue (this is said to include airport screening and border patrols), and what would shut down (including scientific research and nutrition aid to poor mothers).
