The Senate advanced legislation on Sunday to end a record-breaking government shutdown after eight Democrats joined Republicans in a 60-to-40 procedural vote, though the measure still requires House approval and the president's signature. Democratic unity collapsed when moderate senators, citing the growing toll on Americans affected by the closure, accepted a Republican pledge to hold a December vote on expiring health insurance subsidies rather than securing their extension in the spending bill itself.
The agreement came after more than 40 days of federal operations being halted, during which the Trump administration intensified pressure by threatening food assistance programs and reducing air traffic capacity. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer opposed the deal for lacking health care provisions, while House Democrats criticized it as inadequate. The eight Democrats who supported the measure included retiring senators and those not facing reelection until 2028 or 2030.
Democrats secured some concessions, including restoration of laid-off federal workers' positions, guaranteed back pay for furloughed employees, and protection for the Government Accountability Office from proposed funding cuts.
The agreement came after more than 40 days of federal operations being halted, during which the Trump administration intensified pressure by threatening food assistance programs and reducing air traffic capacity. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer opposed the deal for lacking health care provisions, while House Democrats criticized it as inadequate. The eight Democrats who supported the measure included retiring senators and those not facing reelection until 2028 or 2030.
Democrats secured some concessions, including restoration of laid-off federal workers' positions, guaranteed back pay for furloughed employees, and protection for the Government Accountability Office from proposed funding cuts.
