Senate approves temporary funding plan, paving way to reopen government

The Senate approved legislation late Monday to end the 40-day partial government shutdown, the longest such closure in U.S. history. The bill passed with a 60–40 vote after a group of eight Democratic senators joined Republicans to advance the measure, breaking the impasse that had halted various federal operations and strained public services.

The legislation would reopen agencies and restore funding through January 30, with some departments funded through the end of the fiscal year. The House is expected to consider the measure as early as Wednesday, and congressional leaders indicated that lawmakers may return to Washington sooner than planned in order to act on it.

The shutdown began when Senate Democrats declined to support a continuing resolution previously passed by the House. They sought to use the funding bill as leverage to secure an extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies set to expire at the end of the year. Republican leaders refused to negotiate on the subsidies while the government remained closed, leading to a prolonged standoff.

As weeks passed, various federal services slowed or stopped entirely. Assistance programs experienced interruptions, and travel delays mounted as staffing pressures increased. With those disruptions escalating during the holiday season, several Democratic senators reassessed their position and decided to support the funding bill without the subsidy extension.

The group of Democrats who shifted their votes included lawmakers from competitive or politically diverse states, as well as those expressing concern about the short- and long-term impact on constituents who rely on federal programs. Their decision effectively cleared the path for the funding bill to move forward. Senator Rand Paul was the only Republican to oppose the measure.

Although the legislation does not include an immediate extension of the health insurance subsidies central to the initial Democratic stance, Senate leadership has signaled that the issue will be revisited. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has indicated plans to hold a vote on the matter before the end of the year.

If the House follows the Senate in approving the measure, federal agencies would begin reopening and suspended services would gradually resume, easing disruptions that have affected millions of Americans.