The US Senate moved Monday to end the nation’s longest government shutdown, passing a stopgap funding bill in a 60-40 vote. Several Democratic senators broke ranks to join Republicans, sparking backlash within their party.
The shutdown, which began October 1, left over a million federal workers unpaid and disrupted government services. Air traffic has been particularly affected, with more than 1,000 daily flight cancellations in recent days.
President Donald Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, “We’ll be opening up our country very quickly. The deal is very good.” Senate Republican Leader John Thune also praised the bipartisan vote, calling it a “clear path to ending this unnecessary shutdown responsibly.”
Democratic Senator John Fetterman, who supported the measure, said on X: “Feed everyone. Pay our military, government workers, and Capitol Police. End the chaos in airports. Country over party.”
With the Senate’s approval, the legislation now moves to the Republican-controlled House of Representatives, which is expected to reconvene as early as Wednesday following the national holiday. House Speaker Mike Johnson said, “It appears our long national nightmare is finally coming to an end.”
Health Insurance and Subsidies
The standoff centered on Democrats’ demand to extend health insurance subsidies under Obamacare, set to expire at the end of the year. Republicans insisted negotiations occur only after reopening the government.
The Senate deal reopens the government through January, funds some programs for the full fiscal year, and restores certain Trump-era federal worker terminations. SNAP, the food aid program supporting over 42 million Americans, will also receive full-year funding.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune emphasized, “After 40 days of uncertainty, I’m profoundly glad to announce nutrition programs, our veterans, and other critical priorities will have full-year funding.”
Divided Democrats
Despite the breakthrough, divisions persist within the Democratic Party. Senator Jeanne Shaheen called the measure a step forward for healthcare protection, granting Democrats the power to call future votes.
However, top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer opposed the bill, citing failure to address the health care crisis. California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the agreement as “pathetic,” while Massachusetts Representative Seth Moulton called for new leadership after the party’s fractured response.
The House vote will determine whether the government fully reopens, while the debate over health insurance subsidies continues.