Last night Congress voted to end the first federal government shutdown in seventeen years and avert a default on U.S. debt. The deal provides government funding through Jan. 15, 2014, at almost the same rate as in FY-2013 after automatic spending cuts. The debt limit would be extended through Feb. 7, 2014, if requested by President Obama.

The impact of the federal government shutdown, which began October 1, 2013, will be deeply felt by importers and exporters alike. Most government services deemed "essential" by the federal agencies will continue, but "non-essential" services will be discontinued until funding is restored. What does this mean for export licenses and the online version of the HTS?