US Senate advances deal to end 40-day US shutdown, fund government through January

The US Senate advanced a bipartisan measure on Sunday aimed at reopening the federal government and ending a historic 40-day shutdown that has crippled essential services, disrupted air travel, and left millions of federal workers without pay.

In a 60–40 procedural vote, the Senate agreed to move forward on a House-passed bill that would fund the government until January 30 while including three full-year appropriations bills.

The measure marks a significant step toward resolving the impasse that has paralyzed Washington and strained the US economy.

The deal, negotiated by a small bipartisan group led by Democratic Senators Maggie Hassan and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire and Independent Senator Angus King of Maine, secured just enough support to overcome a filibuster.

The compromise was struck after Republicans agreed to hold a vote in December on extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, a key Democratic demand. These subsidies, which help millions of low-income Americans afford health insurance, are set to expire at year’s end.

President Donald Trump, speaking at the White House before the vote, said he was optimistic. “It looks like we’re getting very close to the shutdown ending,” he told reporters.

The bill would also prohibit federal agencies from firing employees until January 30, temporarily halting Trump’s efforts to downsize the federal workforce, which began early in his second term.

According to federal data, around 2.2 million civilians work for the US government, with at least 300,000 positions expected to be eliminated by year’s end.

The bill further ensures back pay for federal workers, including members of the military, Border Patrol agents, and air-traffic controllers.

“It was a good vote tonight,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune said following the session. “Hopefully, we’ll get an opportunity tomorrow to set up the next votes. Of course, that’s going to take some cooperation and consent.”

However, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer voted against the measure, drawing sharp criticism from members of his own party.

Representative Ro Khanna posted on X, formerly Twitter: “Senator Schumer is no longer effective and should be replaced. If you can’t lead the fight to stop healthcare premiums from skyrocketing, what will you fight for?”

The shutdown, now the longest in US history, has taken a heavy toll on federal services — delaying food assistance, closing national parks, and creating chaos in air travel.

Staffing shortages among air traffic controllers have threatened to derail Thanksgiving holiday travel later this month.

Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina said growing public frustration helped push both parties toward compromise. “Temperatures cool, the atmospheric pressure increases outside, and all of a sudden it looks like things will come together,” he quipped.

Economic advisers have warned of mounting damage. White House economist Kevin Hassett said the prolonged shutdown could turn fourth-quarter growth negative if air travel and consumer spending do not recover before Thanksgiving, which falls on November 27 this year.

Trump, meanwhile, reiterated his opposition to the ACA subsidies, calling them “a windfall for insurance companies and a disaster for the American people.” He urged replacing them with direct payments to individuals to purchase coverage independently.

With the ACA enrollment period open until January 15, lawmakers face a narrow window to extend the tax credits and prevent health premiums from doubling next year.