Senate Votes 60-40 to End Historic 40-Day Shutdown

The Senate voted 60-40 Sunday night to advance a House-passed funding bill, breaking a 40-day government shutdown stalemate in a historic bipartisan breakthrough. Eight Democrats joined Republicans to overcome the filibuster threshold after 14 previous failures, marking the longest shutdown in U.S. history.
Centrist Democrats who crossed party lines included Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), and independent Angus King (I-Maine). Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) joined most Democrats in opposition.
The emerging deal funds military construction, veterans affairs, agriculture, and the legislative branch through September 30, 2026, while extending a stopgap continuing resolution for the rest of government until January 30. Democrats secured a promise for a Senate vote by mid-December on extending Affordable Care Act subsidies, though without guarantees of passage or House consideration.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) negotiated the compromise after SNAP benefits expired November 1 and air traffic controller shortages caused nationwide flight chaos. The agreement also reverses President Trump’s attempted federal worker layoffs during the shutdown and provides backpay.
The Senate’s action represents a major retreat for Democrats who had held firm for six weeks demanding subsidy extensions as precondition for reopening government. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin, retiring at year’s end, called the deal necessary after “40 long days” of pain for federal workers and families.
The package still requires House passage and Trump’s signature, though Republicans can pass it with simple majority support. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries indicated most Democrats will oppose it, but Speaker Mike Johnson has pledged to bring it to a vote.
If enacted, the agreement would end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, which has left 800,000 federal workers furloughed, suspended food assistance for millions, and cost the economy billions. However, Congress faces another potential standoff in January when the stopgap measure expires.