Overview
- U.S. senators approved a bipartisan short‑term funding bill 60–40, extending government financing to January 30 without guaranteeing renewal of enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies, and the measure now heads to the Republican‑led House for swift passage and the president’s signature.
- The agreement was backed by most Republicans and eight Democrats, ensures back pay for federal workers, and blocks further workforce cuts or layoffs through late January after weeks of disruption during the country’s longest shutdown.
- President Donald Trump hosted Syrian President Ahmed Al‑Shar at the White House for a 1 hour 36 minute meeting, and the Treasury announced a 180‑day partial suspension of Caesar Act sanctions that excludes transactions involving Russia and Iran.
- Syria signed a political cooperation declaration with the U.S.‑led anti‑ISIS coalition that officials said has no military components at this stage, while Damascus cited U.S. support for advancing steps such as integrating the Syrian Democratic Forces into the national army.
- Debate over Gaza’s next phase continued as the Palestinian Authority pressed for a UN‑mandated, non‑combat multinational presence coordinated with Palestinian security, the UAE said it likely will not join without a clear framework, and Jared Kushner discussed disarmament and governance with Benjamin Netanyahu, with an additional fighter exit proposal described by a source as under discussion.