Nearly 82 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home between Tuesday and Dec. 1, the time defined by the American Automobile Association as the holiday period.

However, Leavitt said she didn't have a timeline for mailing the checks, something that would likely require congressional approval.

But even paying down the debt posed different options for state officials. The simple solution was to pay off state-issued bonds early, the treasurer said.

After six weeks of political gridlock, the federal government shutdown may finally be moving toward resolution. Over the weekend, the Senate advanced a funding measure that would reopen government operations through January 30, 2026.

The program, called Carolina Healthworks, is described as a “multiple employer welfare arrangement” offered by Blue Cross North Carolina and the North Carolina Chamber.