Copyright indiatimes
Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan. (Image: senate & maggiehassan.com) The US Senate has reportedly reached a deal to reopen the government after a lengthy 40-day federal government shutdown, with key negotiations led by New Hampshire Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan, according to multiple US media reports. Along with Maine Senator Angus King, the trio worked on behalf of Democrats to broker an agreement that would fund the government through January 30, rehire federal employees, and ensure the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, is funded through fiscal year 2026.At least eight members of the Democratic caucus are reportedly backing the deal, which, if passed in the Senate, will move to the House before being sent to President Donald Trump for approval.Also Read: US government shutdown nears end as senate reportedly reaches bipartisan deal funding SNAP, VA, and agriculture departmentsWith the spotlight now on the New England senators who played a pivotal role in breaking the deadlock, it’s worth taking a closer look at who Jeanne Shaheen, Maggie Hassan, and Angus King are.Who is Jeanne Shaheen?Jeanne Shaheen is a US Senator from New Hampshire and the first woman in American history to be elected both a governor and a US senator. A Democrat known for her pragmatic, bipartisan approach, she has represented New Hampshire in the Senate since 2009 and serves on key committees, including Armed Services, Foreign Relations, Appropriations, and Small Business.Live EventsBefore entering politics, Shaheen ran a small business and later served three terms as New Hampshire’s governor (1997–2003), where she focused on job creation, education, and fiscal responsibility. In the Senate, she has championed small businesses, veterans’ healthcare, women’s rights, and efforts to combat the opioid crisis.Shaheen has also been a strong voice on national security and foreign policy, advocating for stronger alliances and cyber defense, and was sanctioned by Russia for her criticism of Vladimir Putin’s aggression. A longtime supporter of healthcare access and energy efficiency, she played a key role in passing the Affordable Care Act and advancing clean energy initiatives.Born in Missouri and raised in a working-class family, Shaheen earned degrees from Shippensburg University and the University of Mississippi. She lives in Madbury, New Hampshire, with her husband, Bill, and has three daughters and seven grandchildren.Also Read: S&P 500, Dow Jones, Nasdaq futures upbeat as US government shutdown end in sightWho is Maggie HassanMaggie Hassan is the US Senator from New Hampshire and only the second woman in American history to be elected as both a governor and a senator. A Democrat also known for her bipartisan approach, she focuses on lowering healthcare costs, combating the opioid crisis, supporting small businesses, expanding broadband access, and strengthening cybersecurity.Before her election to the Senate in 2016, Hassan served three terms in the New Hampshire State Senate and as the state’s 81st governor. She has earned recognition for her pragmatic leadership and collaboration across party lines on issues like surprise medical billing, veteran support, and workforce development. Hassan holds degrees from Brown University and Northeastern University School of Law. She and her husband, Tom, an educator, have two children: Ben (33) and Meg (29).Who is Angus KingAngus King is an Independent US Senator from Maine, first elected in 2012. Known for his bipartisan approach, he works to bridge political divides and find practical solutions on issues like national security, clean energy, and rural development.A member of the Senate Armed Services, Intelligence, Energy, and Veterans’ Affairs Committees, King has been a leading voice on cybersecurity, co-chairing the bipartisan Cyberspace Solarium Commission to strengthen America’s defenses against cyber threats.Before joining the Senate, he served two terms as Governor of Maine, focusing on economic growth, education, and environmental protection. King, a Dartmouth and University of Virginia Law School graduate, lives in Maine with his wife, Mary Herman.Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now! (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) Read More News onJeanne ShaheenMaggie HassanAngus KingUS government shutdownwho ended US government shutdownNew England Senatorsbipartisan dealSNAP fundingNew Hampshire Senatorsveterans healthcare (Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates....moreless (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)Read More News onJeanne ShaheenMaggie HassanAngus KingUS government shutdownwho ended US government shutdownNew England Senatorsbipartisan dealSNAP fundingNew Hampshire Senatorsveterans healthcare(Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates....moreless Explore More Stories123
