Senate Moves Toward Ending Lengthy Government Shutdown/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Senate voted 60-40 to advance a bipartisan agreement aimed at ending the ongoing government shutdown. A coalition of moderate Democrats helped push the measure forward without securing guaranteed health care subsidies, prompting backlash within their party. Final approval could still take days, as Democrats weigh their next move.
Government Shutdown Progress: Quick Looks
- Senate voted 60-40 in a procedural step to end the shutdown
- Moderate Democrats broke ranks, enabling deal advancement
- Final deal includes back pay and reinstatement of fired federal workers
- Health care subsidies not guaranteed, sparking intra-party conflict
- House Democrats and Senate leadership remain divided on the compromise
- Air travel and food aid disruptions worsening amid prolonged shutdown
Deep Look
Senate Moves Closer to Ending Government Shutdown After Moderate Democrats Back Deal
In a significant breakthrough on Capitol Hill, the U.S. Senate took the first concrete step Sunday toward ending a protracted government shutdown that has disrupted services nationwide since October 1. The Senate voted 60-40 to proceed with legislation that would reopen parts of the government, although the measure notably lacks a firm commitment to extending Affordable Care Act tax credits set to expire in January.
The vote marked the end of a six-week stalemate, made possible by a group of centrist lawmakers — including New Hampshire Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan, and Independent Senator Angus King of Maine — who negotiated with Republicans for a mid-December vote on the healthcare subsidies in exchange for supporting the interim funding legislation.
Their move allowed progress on three bipartisan spending bills and a continuing resolution to fund the remainder of the government until late January. However, the decision to proceed without securing the extension of ACA tax credits provoked criticism from within the Democratic Party.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, along with all but eight Democratic senators, opposed the deal. He argued the American people expected their representatives to continue pressing for expanded and affordable health care access.
Still, Democratic Senators Tim Kaine, Dick Durbin, John Fetterman, Catherine Cortez Masto, and Jacky Rosen joined the moderates in voting for the proposal, with several noting the growing urgency to end the shutdown and its nationwide effects.
Republican Senators Mike Lee, Rick Scott, and Ron Johnson initially held back their votes but supported the measure after discussions with former President Donald Trump. Senator John Cornyn of Texas flew back from his home state to cast the decisive 60th vote.
Although President Trump did not formally endorse the deal, he hinted at optimism, stating, “It looks like we’re getting close to the shutdown ending,” as he returned to the White House Sunday night.
Back Pay, Rehiring Federal Workers Included in Agreement
The proposed legislation includes a provision to reinstate federal employees who were terminated during the shutdown and guarantees back pay for affected workers. It also protects against further reductions in force until the end of January and reimburses states that stepped in to fund federal programs during the shutdown.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune urged quick action, emphasizing the urgency created by growing disruptions in air travel, food aid, and other public services. “The time to act is now,” Thune said.
Divided Reactions Among Democrats
Despite the forward movement, divisions within the Democratic Party remain pronounced. Senate Democrats held a two-hour internal meeting before the vote, during which Schumer announced he could not “in good faith” support the package due to the lack of guaranteed healthcare funding.
Senator Bernie Sanders criticized the deal as a “horrific mistake,” and Senator Chris Murphy said Democrats had a voter mandate to hold firm on healthcare issues. Both signaled strong disapproval of the compromise.
On the House side, Progressive Caucus Chair Rep. Greg Casar condemned the agreement, calling it “capitulation” and a betrayal of working families. Representative Angie Craig dismissed the deal, while House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries placed blame on Republicans, asserting they had created the “toxic mess.”
Healthcare Subsidies Still in Limbo
The deal calls for a mid-December Senate vote on the extension of ACA tax credits, but it remains uncertain whether a final agreement can be reached. House Speaker Mike Johnson has shown little willingness to bring a healthcare extension to the House floor.
While some Republicans are open to continuing subsidies to prevent rising premiums, they are demanding stricter eligibility criteria and a rerouting of funds through individual-based plans. Others, including Trump, continue to call for an overhaul or full repeal of the ACA.
Shutdown’s Toll Grows
The prolonged shutdown’s effects have deepened across the country. Over 2,000 flights were canceled Sunday, with 7,000 delays reported, marking the worst air travel day since the shutdown began. Treasury Secretary Sean Duffy warned that Thanksgiving travel could be crippled if the government remains closed.
In Washington, D.C., where tens of thousands of federal employees have missed paychecks, local food banks are scrambling to meet rising demand. The Capital Area Food Bank reported a nearly 20% increase in meals distributed this year, providing 8 million more meals than expected.
Additionally, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program has experienced delays, impacting tens of millions of Americans who depend on food aid.
With pressure mounting on both parties, the Senate’s procedural vote may signal progress, but the path to a full reopening remains uncertain, especially with major healthcare disagreements unresolved.
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