The US Senate has passed a procedural vote on a bipartisan deal aimed at ending the longest government shutdown in American history, which began on October 1. This breakthrough, achieved after 40 days of deadlock, signals potential relief for federal workers and services affected by the impasse.
On November 9, the Senate voted 60-40 to advance the funding agreement, a critical step that required at least 60 votes due to procedural rules. The vote was held open for over two hours to ensure all senators could participate, with Senator John Cornyn flying in to cast the decisive vote. This measure allows for subsequent votes on Monday to move the deal forward, paving the way for the government to reopen after a record-breaking shutdown that has impacted millions.
The shutdown, now in its 40th day, has suspended numerous federal operations, leaving approximately 1.4 million employees on unpaid leave or working without pay. Essential services like air travel and food assistance programs have been severely disrupted, with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) facing benefit cuts that affect 42 million low-income Americans. The deal aims to address these issues by including funding for SNAP through September and guaranteeing back pay for federal workers.
Negotiations for the compromise were led by Senate Majority Leader John Thune in collaboration with the White House and a group of Democratic senators, including Jeanne Shaheen, Maggie Hassan, and independent Angus King. Their efforts resulted in a package that funds the government until January 30 via a continuing resolution and includes three appropriations bills for agencies like veterans affairs and agriculture. A key component is the promise of a vote in December on extending enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits, which Democrats had insisted on as a condition for support.
Despite the breakthrough, the deal has exposed divisions within the Democratic Party. Eight Democrats broke with leadership to support the measure, while others, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, opposed it, arguing that it fails to secure concrete guarantees on healthcare subsidies. Schumer condemned the agreement as insufficient, and some critics, like California Governor Gavin Newsom, labeled the compromise as “pathetic” for not addressing the core issue.
The agreement also includes protections against permanent layoffs of government employees until 2026 and ensures that all workers receive their normal salaries during the shutdown period. Additionally, it establishes a bipartisan budget process and restricts the use of continuing resolutions by the White House, aiming to prevent future shutdowns. These measures are designed to provide stability and accountability in government funding.
The next hurdle is the House of Representatives, where the deal must be approved before it can be signed into law by President Trump. House passage is uncertain due to partisan tensions, but if successful, the shutdown could end within days. This development, while not final, represents a significant step toward resolving a crisis that has highlighted the challenges of bipartisan cooperation in a polarized political environment.
