9 months ago
Senate Advances Deal to End Government Shutdown
The government had been shut down for six weeks, meaning many services stopped working and federal employees weren't getting paid.
But now, Senators have voted to start reopening it.
Some Democrats who usually disagree with Republicans worked together to make a deal.
This deal will fund many government parts and also promises a vote later about helping people pay for health insurance.
It also means that federal workers who lost their jobs will get them back and be paid.
However, not all Democrats are happy because they wanted to be absolutely sure the health insurance help was included, not just a promise of a vote.
But others say this was the best way to stop the shutdown and get things working again.
This vote is the first big step to ending the shutdown.
The US Senate voted 60-40 to advance a bipartisan funding package aimed at ending the government shutdown.
The deal extends funding for several key agencies for the full fiscal year and others through January 30, 2026.
Democrats secured a commitment to rehire federal workers and a promise of a December vote on extending Obamacare tax credits.
The breakthrough followed a six-week shutdown that disrupted services and delayed federal employee paychecks.
The deal revealed divisions within the Democratic Party, with progressives criticizing the lack of guaranteed healthcare subsidy extensions.
- Who
- US Senate, eight Senate Democrats, Republicans, Trump administration, federal workers.
- What
- Voted to advance a bipartisan funding package to end the government shutdown, including agency funding extensions and a vote on ACA tax credits.
- Where
- US Senate, Washington D.C.
- When
- Sunday night (vote taken); final reopening expected later in the week.
- Why
- To end a six-week government shutdown that disrupted services, delayed paychecks for federal employees, and impacted programs like food assistance and childcare.
Progressive Democrats
Centrist Democrats & Republicans
Healthcare Protections
Progressive Democrats
Oppose the deal for not guaranteeing the extension of Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, viewing it as a 'half-step' that creates uncertainty for healthcare protections.
Centrist Democrats & Republicans
Supported the deal, including a commitment to a December vote on extending ACA tax credits, as a necessary compromise to end the shutdown and address its fallout.
Compromise Strategy
Progressive Democrats
Believe the deal is a capitulation and that Democrats should have held out for guaranteed ACA subsidy extensions.
Centrist Democrats & Republicans
Argue that compromise was necessary to end the longest government shutdown in history, restore federal services, and ensure federal workers receive back pay.
Key facts
- Senate Vote to Advance Deal
- 60-40
- Funding Extension
- Several key agencies fully funded for the fiscal year; others extended through January 30, 2026.
- Federal Workers
- Commitment to rehire dismissed workers and provide back pay.
- Healthcare Agreement
- Promise of a Senate floor vote in December on extending Obamacare tax credits.
- Shutdown Duration
- Six weeks
- Negotiators
- Senators Jeanne Shaheen, Maggie Hassan, Angus King, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, and White House negotiators.
Timeline
Senate leaders neared a shutdown-ending deal.
It would fund the government through January 30th.
Quotes
Senate Majority Leader John Thune
Senate Majority Leader
“I am optimistic that after almost six weeks of this shutdown, we'll finally be able to end it.”
m.rediff.com
Sen. Richard Blumenthal
Senator from Connecticut
“no deal without health care”
m.rediff.com
Sen. John Hickenlooper
Senator from Colorado
“There's no good solution. Some of my colleagues believe Trump will stop at nothing to prevent that subsidy from being restored. We tried it and now we're going to use every other tool. We're not going to quit”
m.rediff.com
Sources
Is America's Longest Shutdown Finally Ending? Senate Reaches Deal to Reopen Government
US Senate to vote on bill that would end federal shutdown
US government shutdown may end soon as Democrats reach deal to extend govt funding
Government Shutdown May Be Nearing End As Senators Reach Deal On Advancing Funding Legislation
Stocks rise, bonds fall as US government shutdown nears end
Shutdown Breakthrough? Republican, Democrat Leaders Hint at Deal Ahead of Crucial Sunday Vote
US government shutdown to end after 40 days? Possible vote today as John Thune says deal to re-open is ‘nearly ready’
US Senate nears potential deal to extend government funding, to vote on bill to end federal shutdown
US Senate on verge of advancing bill to end federal shutdown
US Senate moves toward deal to end longest govt shutdown
‘Getting very close to shutdown ending…’: US President Donald Trump
US Senate advances plans to end historic government shutdown in a bipartisan breakthrough
US Shutdown nears end as Senate Democrats agree to funding deal
US Government Shutdown Live Updates: After record shutdown, Senate votes to restore federal funding
US Senate advances bill to end federal shutdown
Trump-Democrat deal to end shutdown? Senate likely to vote on advancing a bill
US shutdown to end? Trump says ‘getting close’ as Senate leaders reach deal for funding
Senate moves toward deal to end longest US government shutdown
US government shutdown to end soon as Senate reaches funding deal: Trump
Senate Nears Potential Shutdown Deal But There's No Guarantee Of Success
Senate Takes First Step Toward Ending Government Shutdown
US after 40 days of shutdown: Flight uncertainty rises, supply woes deepens and political costs escalate
US Government Shutdown Ends After 40 Days
US government shutdown: Is the shutdown over? Which democrats voted with Republicans today? All FAQs answered
Meet the eight Senators who took the 1st step towards ending US government shutdown
US Senate passes spending bill aimed at ending government shutdown: What all does it include
US Senate Takes First Step Toward Ending The Government Shutdown
