Rabat – The United States’ record-breaking government shutdown concluded yesterday after Congress came to a consensus to end the 43-day-long shutdown and President Donald Trump signed legislation which declared the shutdown over.
The US Embassy in Morocco, in response, posted an announcement declaring: “The U.S. Mission in Morocco has resumed normal operation following the passage of a continuing resolution to fund the federal government of the United States.”
Immediately after the US federal government shutdown at midnight on October 1, the Embassy announced via social media and its website that:
“Due to the lapse in appropriations, this website will not be updated regularly until full operations resume, with the expectation of urgent safety and security information. American Citizen Services and scheduled visa services as U.S. Consulate General Casablanca will continue during the lapse of appropriations as the situation permits.”
The shutdown was a result of a lapse of appropriations or a fiscal stalemate between Democrats and Republicans; the former refused to pass a Republican federal renewal bill unless it included an extension of Affordable Care Act funds.
Democrats finally caved to the stand-off on Wednesday during a House of Representatives vote to end the shutdown; six Democrats broke rank and voted yes alongside Republicans to pass the bill.
Thousands of federal workers who were on unpaid leave during the shutdown are expected to resume work, and the more than 42 million Americans who missed out on food (SNAP) benefits during the shutdown will receive aid again.
