The U.S. government finally reopened after a 16-day shutdown that put the country on high alert, especially given the impending debt limit default. In Florida, however, the focus was turned on two runaways from jail who had been accidentally released by authorities one month prior.
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U.S. Government Shutdown Ends Hours before Default
President Obama signed a bill on Thursday to end the 16-day government shutdown that saw many government services close down and thousands of workers furloughed. The bill was also signed hours before the U.S. would have defaulted on its debt and likely caused an enormous backlash in global markets.
Under the new deal, the government will be funded through Jan. 15 and the debt ceiling raised until Feb. 7 of next year. Senate Republicans and Democrats drafted and put forward the bill as House Republicans and Democrats remained at an impasse as late as Tuesday.
Republicans in Congress fought hard to cut funding for Obama’s health care plan, ultimately leading to the budget debate that led to the shutdown. The bill is seen as a big blow to the GOP, as their main goal of slashing Obamacare funding was still unachieved and the party’s approval ratings dropped significantly as talks went on.
The Senate is expected to hammer out another deal on tax and spending policies for the next decade by Dec. 13. For that to happen, however, Republicans and Democrats in both Houses will need to come together.
Accidentally Released Florida Convicts Taken Into Custody
Two convicted Florida murderers were finally taken back into custody on Saturday after their accidental release one month ago.
Joseph Jenkins and Charles Walker walked out of a Florida jail using fake paperwork with a forged judge signature. Both men then traveled 300 miles to an Orlando jail and registered as felons, which likely allowed both men to escape authorities’ attention.
Both men were convicted on murder charges more than a decade ago and received life sentences. They were located in a Panama City motel where police finally cornered and caught the two prison runaways.