On the 41st day of the government shutdown, the U.S. Senate approved a continuing resolution by a vote of 60 to 40 to reopen government operations. This measure proposes funding for most government functions through January 30 and for specific agencies until the end of September.
The legislation now requires passage by the U.S. House of Representatives before President Donald Trump can sign it into law.
Senate Vote Details
The bipartisan vote included support from seven Democrats and one independent senator, alongside most Senate Republicans. Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.) was the sole Republican to vote against the bill.
An agreement to end the shutdown was reached over the weekend by a bipartisan group of senators following weeks of negotiations. A procedural vote to advance the funding bill met the required 60 votes on Sunday night, preceding Monday's final approval.
Key Provisions of the Funding Package
The approved funding package includes provisions to reverse reductions in force of federal employees implemented by the Trump Administration during the shutdown. It also provides protections against further layoffs through the end of January and ensures backpay for federal employees. Additionally, the package contains three appropriations bills, one of which fully funds the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through September 30, 2026.
Affordable Care Act Subsidies
The agreement does not incorporate an extension of subsidies for Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance premiums, which are scheduled to expire later this year. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) stated on Sunday that a vote on a bill to extend these expiring subsidies would be held by mid-December.
Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) issued a statement noting that the deal "guarantees a vote to extend Affordable Care Act premium tax credits." However, some Senate Democrats expressed concerns regarding the absence of immediate subsidy extension and the effectiveness of a future vote without the leverage of an ongoing shutdown. Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.) stated a belief that efforts should continue to "force Republicans to the negotiating table" on this issue.
Next Steps in the House
House leadership informed members on Monday morning that they would receive 36-hours notice to return to Capitol Hill for a vote on the legislation. House Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed that members should begin returning to the Hill immediately, citing potential travel delays.
Johnson expressed confidence in the bill's passage in the House and stated that President Trump is prepared to sign it. The Speaker did not commit to holding an ACA vote in the House should such a bill pass the Senate.