Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), who represents more than 144,000 federal employees in his home state, announced Sunday that he will support a deal to reopen the government even though it does not ensure an extension of enhanced health insurance premiums.

The legislation does, however, require the Trump administration to restore the thousands of federal workers fired during the shutdown during reductions in force (RIF) and prevent the president’s Office of Management and Budget from attempting additional layoffs until Jan. 30, 2026.

If the continuing resolution worked out by negotiators is extended beyond Jan. 30, the prohibition again firing federal employees would carry forward for the length of the next spending stopgap, according to a person familiar with the deal.

Kaine said the protection

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