The US Senate has passed a critical funding bill that could bring the longest government shutdown in history to an end within days. The measure cleared the chamber in a 60-40 vote late Monday, with nearly all Republicans joining eight Democrats who broke from their party to support the bill.
The deal funds the federal government through January 30, ensuring that approximately 1.4 million federal employees, many of whom have been on unpaid leave or working without pay since October, receive their earned compensation.
Senator Susan Collins, a Republican instrumental in crafting the bill, celebrated its passage, saying, “We are going to reopen government, we are going to ensure that federal employees… will now receive compensation that they’ve earned and deserve.”
The funding package also includes full-year allocations for the Department of Agriculture, military construction, legislative agencies, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for low-income Americans. A vote on extending healthcare subsidies, set to expire this year, is scheduled for December, addressing one of the main Democratic concerns.
Only one Republican, Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky, voted against the bill alongside the majority of Democrats. The eight Democrats who joined Republicans were Senators Dick Durbin, John Fetterman, Catherine Cortez Masto, Maggie Hassan, Tim Kaine, Angus King, Jackie Rosen, and Jeanne Shaheen.
Criticism has come from some high-profile Democrats who opposed the compromise, citing the lack of immediate healthcare guarantees. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called the deal insufficient, while Governor Gavin Newsom described it as “pathetic.” Nonetheless, supporters emphasized the immediate relief it provides to federal employees and essential services.
The bill now moves to the Republican-controlled House of Representatives, which reconvened on Monday after being out of session since mid-September. With a narrow two-seat majority, every vote will be crucial. President Donald Trump has indicated he is ready to sign the bill into law once it passes the House, signaling the potential reopening of government operations soon.
