US Senate advances deal to end government shutdown

Washington, D.C.

The U.S. Senate took a major step Sunday toward ending the longest federal government shutdown in history, voting 60‑40 to advance a bill that would reopen agencies and provide relief to furloughed workers.

The legislation, a continuing resolution, would fund most federal agencies through January 30, 2026, while providing full-year funding for key departments such as Veterans Affairs and Agriculture. It also ensures back pay for federal employees affected by the shutdown and protects against additional layoffs during the extended funding period.

Eight Democrats and one Independent joined Republicans in supporting the measure, though many Democratic leaders opposed it over the lack of immediate Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidy extensions. Senators have pledged to revisit the healthcare issue in December.

The bill now moves to the Republican-controlled House of Representatives. If passed and signed by the President, it would officially end the 40-day shutdown that has furloughed hundreds of thousands of federal workers and disrupted services ranging from national parks to SNAP assistance.

Economists note the shutdown has slowed economic activity and caused uncertainty in financial markets. The Senate vote provides hope that normal operations and federal services may soon resume, though lawmakers warn more work remains on healthcare and longer-term budget issues.

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