Federal Government Shutdown Ends, For Now

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — At the stroke of Midnight Saturday, the U.S. Government commenced a shutdown that largely saw some minor inconveniences. For instance, visitors to the Statue of Liberty were prevented from entry.


As of 12:50pm Eastern Monday, it is on its way to being back open — for now.

The U.S. Senate voted as planned, shifting from 1am to Noon Eastern a temporary resolution that was met with approval. This was pushed by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who insisted on a vote to break a Democratic filibuster on a short-term spending bill.

The House followed suit later in the day, which was expected. Now, the White House must give its formal OK; this keeps the government through Feb. 8.

If the yes votes had not happened, the Commission would still be open all week.

Official word came late Friday (1/19) from Brian Hart, Director of the FCC’s Office of Media
Relations. He said, “In the event of a partial government shutdown, because of available funding, the Commission plans to remain open and pay staff at least through the close of
business on Friday, Jan. 26.”

As a result, RBR+TVBR’s TRANSACTIONS TODAY will appear as normally scheduled this week and through Feb. 8.

We will continue to monitor all actions on Capitol Hill as they impact the FCC and media broadcasters across the U.S.

— Additional reporting by Adam Jacobson, from Nassau, Bahamas