The Senate has passed a deal aimed at ending the US government shutdown, signaling a potential end to the record-breaking stalemate that began on October 1.
After a weekend of intense negotiations in Washington, a small group of Democrats joined Republicans to approve the agreement. This vote marks the first procedural step toward restoring government funding, though the measure must still pass the House of Representatives before federal employees and services return to normal.
The current shutdown is the longest in US history, leaving roughly 1.4 million federal workers either furloughed or working without pay. Many government services have been halted, affecting everything from air travel to food assistance for around 41 million low-income Americans.
The bipartisan deal was brokered by Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Democratic senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire, and Independent Angus King of Maine, who caucuses with the Democrats. Republicans, holding a 53-47 Senate majority, needed 60 votes to advance the bill. They secured support from eight Democrats, while only Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky voted against it, citing concerns over rising national debt.
A key component of the agreement is a commitment to vote in December on extending healthcare subsidies set to expire this year. Democrats had insisted that any funding deal include provisions to address this critical issue, which affects tens of millions of Americans using government-run insurance exchanges.
“I’m thankful we have senators from both parties ready to work together on this crisis,” said Senate Majority Leader Thune. “We also have a president willing to sit down and find solutions, and I look forward to seeing what comes from these efforts.”
However, not all Democrats were satisfied. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed frustration, arguing that the bill did little to resolve the healthcare crisis. Some high-profile figures, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, criticized colleagues who sided with Republicans, calling the move “pathetic.”
The deal also funds three key appropriations bills covering agencies such as Veterans Affairs and Agriculture and includes a continuing resolution to finance the government until January 30. Federal workers will be compensated for lost wages during the shutdown, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will receive funding through next September.
While the Senate vote represents progress, the agreement still faces hurdles in the House of Representatives, where additional debate and potential amendments could shape its final form.
