After 41 days of a federal funding lapse, Congress appears closer than ever to ending the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. Late Sunday night, the Senate voted 60–40 to advance a short-term funding measure to reopen large portions of the government — a breakthrough that came when eight Senate Democrats broke ranks and joined Republicans in moving the bill forward.
The bill, which would fund the government through January 30, 2026, also includes provisions to reverse recent layoffs, provide back pay for furloughed federal workers, and protect certain assistance programs. Among the Democratic defectors were Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, Dick Durbin of Illinois, Tim Kaine of Virginia, Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire, Jacky Rosen of Nevada, Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada, John Fetterman of Pennsylvania and Independent Angus King of Maine (who caucuses with the Democrats).
Still, the deal’s final passage is not yet guaranteed. The measure must still pass the House of Representatives and be signed by the President. Many Democrats criticized the deal because it does not immediately extend impending health-insurance tax credits under the Affordable Care Act, one of their key demands all along. House Speaker Mike Johnson said members are being told to begin returning to Washington now in anticipation of a vote this week.
While many have breathed a sigh of relief at the prospect of reopening the government, analysts warn that this is only the beginning of the end — further battles lie ahead over longer-term spending, health care and other policy priorities.