The United States appears closer to ending the longest government shutdown in its history, after a group of moderate senators broke ranks and voted late Sunday to advance a short-term spending bill to fund most federal agencies through January. The 60–40 Senate vote signalled the first real bipartisan movement since the shutdown began, marking a potential breakthrough in the deadlock that has paralysed the country for weeks.But the deal — while a relief for millions of Americans — is no guarantee of peace. It still needs to clear both chambers of Congress and be signed by President Donald Trump, who has not yet said whether he supports it. And it leaves unresolved the political fault line that caused the shutdown in the first place: the Democrats’ demand to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) health subsidies set to expire at the end of the year.
How the shutdown hurt Americans
For more than a month, the shutdown rippled through nearly every corner of American life. Over 800,000 federal workers went unpaid, forcing many to rely on food banks, credit cards and second jobs. National parks and museums shut their gates, immigration and court cases stalled, and research grants were frozen.Airports became flashpoints of frustration. Staff shortages led to thousands of flight cancellations and delays, with travellers stranded and airlines warning of long-term operational damage. The Transportation Security Administration saw record absenteeism as unpaid staff called in sick or quit.Meanwhile, low-income families were left in limbo as food stamp benefits (SNAP) and housing assistance programmes stalled. Over two dozen states warned of “catastrophic disruptions” after the Trump administration ordered them to claw back benefits distributed under court orders. The Capital Area Food Bank in Washington reported serving 8 million more meals than planned this year — a 20% increase driven by furloughed workers.What began as a partisan budget standoff has turned into a national crisis of livelihoods and confidence in government.
Driving the news
The Senate vote on Sunday night advanced a short-term funding package that would reopen federal agencies and guarantee retroactive pay for furloughed employees. Eight Democrats joined Republicans to push the bill forward, breaking the party blockade.The proposal, crafted by Senators Jeanne Shaheen, Maggie Hassan and Angus King, would:
- Fund key departments such as agriculture, veterans’ affairs, military construction and legislative agencies through most of 2026
- Extend all other government funding until late January
- Reinstate laid-off workers and block further layoffs through the period
- Reimburse states that spent their own funds to keep federal programmes afloat
- Promise a December vote on extending ACA health tax credits for one year
Majority Leader John Thune called the emerging deal “promising,” but stopped short of a full endorsement. Trump, returning from a football game, said only: “It looks like we’re getting close to the shutdown ending.”
Why it matters
The deal represents the first real thaw in a 40-day freeze that has tested Washington’s ability to govern itself. It could end weeks of uncertainty for hundreds of thousands of federal employees, contractors, and citizens dependent on public services — from food assistance to flight safety.But politically, it exposes deep fractures within both parties. The agreement hinges on a non-binding promise from Republicans to hold a future vote on healthcare subsidies — a pledge many Democrats view as hollow. The underlying question remains: can the US government function if its reopening depends on trust between factions that no longer believe each other?
The political divide
The shutdown began as a fight over healthcare subsidies under the Affordable Care Act. Democrats demanded a permanent or year-long extension of the tax credits that help millions afford insurance; Republicans refused to negotiate while the government remained closed.Now, with public anger mounting, a group of moderate Democrats has broken ranks. Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia, home to many federal workers, said he would support the deal to “protect the federal workforce.” But others remain furious.Progressives such as Sen. Bernie Sanders warned it would be a “horrific mistake to cave in to Trump,” while Rep. Greg Casar, chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, called the compromise “a betrayal.” “Accepting nothing but a pinky promise from Republicans isn’t a compromise — it’s capitulation,” Casar wrote on X.Even House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Democrats were unlikely to back the plan. But because Republicans hold a slim House majority, Democrats alone can’t block it if GOP members stay united.
Republicans hold the cards
For Republicans, the calculus is simpler. They only need five Democratic votes in the Senate to pass the funding bill. With at least eight Democrats already on board, they appear to have the numbers.Still, conservatives are wary of future healthcare fights. House Speaker Mike Johnson has refused to commit to a December vote, and Trump continues to deride the ACA as “the worst healthcare for the highest price.” Some Republicans have signalled openness to extending tax credits temporarily, but with stricter eligibility rules — setting up yet another clash.
What comes next
The Senate’s Sunday vote merely opens debate. Final passage could take several days, especially if Democrats opposed to the deal try to delay proceedings. The House could take up the measure later this week, meaning the shutdown may not officially end until midweek or later. If signed into law, the deal would reopen federal offices, restore full pay to workers, and keep government funded until January’s end. But the truce is fragile — another showdown looms as soon as this stopgap runs out. For now, millions of Americans battered by weeks of uncertainty can only hope Washington holds together long enough to get their government — and their lives — back on track.With inputs from agencies
