The Senate on Sunday took its first step toward ending the weeks-long government shutdown, approving a procedural vote on a bipartisan deal to reopen federal agencies and delay debate on health care subsidies until December.
The 60-40 vote came after a small group of moderate Democrats broke ranks to support the measure, which funds parts of the government through January and guarantees back pay for federal workers. The plan also reverses the mass layoffs ordered by the Trump administration when the shutdown began Oct. 1.
The agreement, led by Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire and Independent Sen. Angus King of Maine, does not include an immediate extension of Affordable Care Act tax credits — a key Democratic demand. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and most Democrats voted against the proposal, arguing it abandons millions who depend on the subsidies.
Five Democrats ultimately sided with Republicans to advance the bill, including Sens. Tim Kaine of Virginia, Dick Durbin of Illinois, John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, and Nevada’s Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen.
House progressives swiftly denounced the deal. Rep. Greg Casar of Texas called it a “betrayal,” while Rep. Angie Craig of Minnesota dismissed it as a “false deal.” House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries blamed Republicans for the standoff, saying they “own the toxic mess” caused by the shutdown.
President Donald Trump declined to say whether he supports the agreement but suggested progress was being made. “It looks like we’re getting close to the shutdown ending,” he told reporters.
The shutdown’s impacts have intensified, grounding more than 2,000 flights and delaying food assistance for millions of Americans. The Capital Area Food Bank in Washington reported a 20% surge in demand as federal workers missed paychecks.
The Senate deal would keep the government funded through late January, but a fierce fight over health care subsidies looms next month, with Republicans divided over whether to extend the expiring tax credits or overhaul the Affordable Care Act entirely.