The Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. Photo Credit: GETTY IMAGES.
The U.S. Senate took a crucial step toward ending the longest government shutdown in history on Sunday, November 9, advancing a bipartisan compromise that could restore funding to federal agencies through January 30, 2026.
The procedural vote, which passed 60-40 with the support of eight Democrats, clears the way for final passage in the Senate and sets the stage for action in the House of Representatives. The measure includes three full appropriations bills and a continuing resolution for the rest, but notably omits an extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies, a key Democratic demand that has prolonged the impasse.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune hailed the vote as a breakthrough after 40 days of deadlock, stressing the need to alleviate hardships faced by furloughed workers and disrupted services like air travel and food assistance. However, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and other Democrats criticized the deal for failing to address expiring healthcare tax credits, which could lead to premium hikes for millions starting next year. As part of the informal agreement, Republicans have committed to a Senate vote on healthcare legislation by mid-December, though details remain unspecified.
With the Senate poised for final approval early this week, attention now shifts to the House, where Speaker Mike Johnson has indicated plans to reconvene members for a vote as soon as Wednesday, November 12. The chamber, in recess since September, must be called back to Washington, a process Johnson has begun amid mounting pressure to resolve the crisis. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has vowed opposition, arguing the bill shortchanges healthcare priorities, but some centrist Democrats appear open to supporting it to end the shutdown.
If passed by the House, the legislation would head to President Donald Trump for his signature, potentially reopening the government by week's end and allowing back pay for affected employees.
Critics from both parties have lamented the human cost of the shutdown, including delayed flights, closed national parks, and strained social services, while economists warn of broader economic ripple effects if unresolved. Lawmakers on both sides expressed cautious optimism, though deep divisions over healthcare and spending persist.
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