The U.S. Senate has taken a significant step towards ending the 40-day government shutdown that has disrupted federal operations, affected workers, and caused delays in food aid and air travel. In a procedural vote held on Sunday, senators advanced a bill passed by the House, which is set to be amended to fund the government until January 30, alongside a package of three full-year appropriations bills.
The amended measure, if approved by the Senate, will require subsequent approval from the House of Representatives before reaching President Donald Trump’s desk for his signature, a process that could extend over several days. During negotiations, Republicans reached a compromise with several Democrats, leading to an agreement for a vote in December on extending subsidies under the Affordable Care Act—an essential Democratic priority during ongoing funding discussions.
The bill passed with a 60-40 vote, surpassing the minimum needed to overcome a Senate filibuster. Trump expressed optimism about the resolution, stating, “It looks like we’re getting very close to the shutdown ending,” indicating a hopeful outlook from the White House.
The agreement includes provisions that prevent federal agencies from terminating employees until January 30, a notable achievement for federal worker unions and their supporters, while also stalling Trump’s efforts to downsize the federal workforce. Approximately 2.2 million civilians are employed by the federal government, with projections suggesting that at least 300,000 employees may depart due to ongoing reductions.
Additionally, the legislation contains stipulations for back pay for all federal employees, encompassing military personnel, Border Patrol agents, and air traffic controllers. As the Senate reconvenes on Monday, leadership aims to facilitate a bipartisan deal to expedite the bill’s passage. Without swift cooperation, procedural delays could prolong the shutdown into the following weekend.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune remarked after the vote, emphasizing the importance of collaboration moving forward. The deal was primarily brokered by Democratic Senators Maggie Hassan and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, along with Senator Angus King, an independent from Maine, reflecting a spirit of bipartisan cooperation in the Senate.
This development is promising for federal workers and the many services they provide, with hopes that the ongoing discussions will lead to a timely resolution that restores normal operations and stability to the government. As negotiations continue, the focus remains on securing a sustainable budget that meets the needs of American families while ensuring the functionality of critical government services.