U.S. Senate Approves Bill to End Record 41-Day Government Shutdown

The U.S. Senate voted 60–40 on Monday to approve a bipartisan bill reopening the federal government after a 41-day shutdown — the longest in American history. The legislation, which now heads to the House of Representatives, marks a critical step toward ending weeks of political deadlock that left hundreds of thousands of federal employees without pay.

A Hard-Fought Compromise

President Donald Trump signaled his backing for the measure, telling reporters, “We’re going to be opening up our country very quickly.” The agreement emerged after moderate Democrats joined Republicans to advance three bipartisan spending bills and temporarily fund the government through late January.

The deal includes a reversal of the Trump administration’s mass layoffs of federal employees since the shutdown began on October 1, ensuring workers will receive back pay and protection from further job cuts until early next year.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) praised staff and security personnel for their endurance during what he called “six excruciating weeks,” expressing relief that the stalemate was nearing its end.

Moderate Democrats Break Ranks

The breakthrough came when Sens. Jeanne Shaheen, Maggie Hassan, Tim Kaine, Angus King, Catherine Cortez Masto, and John Fetterman joined Republicans to approve the legislation. Shaheen defended her decision, saying it was the “only viable option” after Republicans refused to negotiate on extending expiring health care tax credits.

Democratic leaders, however, were divided. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and most of his caucus voted against the bill, arguing that conceding now weakens their leverage on health care reform. Sen. Bernie Sanders called the compromise “a horrific mistake,” while others like House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries praised Schumer’s leadership during the shutdown, saying Democrats “stood on the right side of this fight.”

Health Care Fight Looms

At the heart of the dispute are the Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits, which expire on January 1. Republicans have promised a Senate vote by mid-December on extending them but have not guaranteed passage. Some GOP lawmakers favor continuing subsidies with new income caps, while others, echoing Trump’s long-standing stance, want the law overhauled or replaced.

Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said she supports extending the credits “with reasonable reforms,” emphasizing the need to act before year-end to prevent rising premiums.

What’s Next

The House, which has been in recess since mid-September, will reconvene this week to vote on the Senate-approved bill. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) urged members to “return immediately” to expedite the process despite travel delays caused by the shutdown.

If approved by the House, the legislation will reopen federal agencies, restore salaries, and restart public services that were halted for more than a month.