The Senate concluded a weeks-long deadlock Sunday night by advancing a deal to terminate the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. The agreement, which requires House approval, will temporarily fund federal operations through January 30.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) hailed the breakthrough, stating, “It’s a great development. It’s long overdue. It vindicates our position in this all along.” The bill, backed by eight Senate Democrats and most Republicans, ended the 40-day shutdown that began after Senate Democrats rejected a clean continuing resolution.
The deal includes temporary funding for agencies such as the Department of Agriculture, FDA, Veterans Affairs, military construction, and the legislative branch. It also reverses Trump-era federal layoffs and guarantees Senate Democrats a vote on extending Obamacare subsidies, though no comparable provision was included in the House version. Progressive lawmakers criticized the lack of action on tax credits, with Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) calling the vote “a very, very bad vote.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) expressed frustration over stalled efforts to expand healthcare benefits. Republicans emphasized the deal mirrored earlier GOP proposals, highlighting Democratic obstruction as a key factor in the prolonged standoff. The House is expected to reconvene this week for final consideration.
