Senate Breaks Stalemate to End Shutdown as Eight Democrats Cross Aisle
The U.S. Senate made a decisive move late Sunday night to reopen the federal government after a lengthy 40-day shutdown. A crucial procedural vote saw 60 senators backing a bipartisan funding bill, precisely meeting the required threshold to proceed. Importantly, eight Democrats sided with their Republican counterparts, with Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) casting the decisive vote that tilted the scale.
The vote, which resulted in a 60 to 40 outcome, marks the first significant bipartisan agreement since the shutdown began on October 1. The deadlock left nearly a million federal employees unpaid, stalled food assistance for tens of millions, and triggered widespread flight delays across the nation.
What’s in the Deal?
The passed legislation is a stopgap measure aimed at funding essential government operations through January 30, 2026. This bill allocates full-year funding for various sectors, including agriculture, veterans affairs, military construction, and congressional operations. Importantly, it ensures that furloughed federal workers receive back pay and implements a hold on further layoffs during this funding period.
However, the omission of the extension for Affordable Care Act (ACA) health care subsidies has created a rift within the Democratic ranks. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), who led the Republican negotiations, assured that a separate vote on the ACA issue would occur by mid-December, but this non-binding pledge did not satisfy many Democrats.
The Eight Democrats Who Broke Ranks
The outcome hinged on the courage of eight Senate Democrats along with Independent Angus King (ME), who chose to defy their party leadership. This group included notable senators such as Dick Durbin (IL), John Fetterman (PA), and Maggie Hassan (NH). Fetterman’s pivotal vote came last and was instrumental in meeting the 60-vote requirement.
“If Republicans want to join us in lowering costs for working families, they have the perfect opportunity to show the American public,” noted Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV), illustrating a willingness to negotiate despite underlying disagreements with Republicans.
Conversely, not all Democrats supported the measure. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) made his stance clear: “So far as I’m concerned, health care isn’t included, so I’ll be a no.” Meanwhile, Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) expressed his strong opposition, stating, “I will vote ‘NO’ tonight with every fiber of my being.”
Shutdown Fallout
The urgent need for a resolution stemmed from the shutdown’s wide-ranging effects. According to the USDA, nutritional benefits for over 42 million Americans—through programs such as SNAP, WIC, and school meals—were poised to be disrupted. While court rulings initially blocked layoffs across federal agencies, the bill formalizes a pause on furloughs and guarantees back pay for the affected workforce.
Air travel faced severe disruptions as well. On November 9 alone, FlightAware reported over 10,000 delays and nearly 3,000 cancellations nationwide, attributed to a shortage of air traffic controllers and delayed funding for maintenance, as highlighted by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
“The time to act is now,” Senate GOP leader John Thune declared during the final negotiations, emphasizing the need to heed warnings from families, food banks, and airports. He underscored that the shutdown’s end was imperative.
Political Costs and Promises
For many moderate Democrats, the agreement represents a calculated gamble—accepting immediate relief in exchange for a promise of action on ACA subsidies before year’s end. However, this decision has attracted criticism from further left factions of the party.
Progressive leaders like Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) voiced their disapproval, with Sanders labeling the choice to exclude health care guarantees a “horrific mistake.” Representative Greg Casar (D-TX), chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, expressed feelings of betrayal over the deal.
The discontent also reached Governor Gavin Newsom (D-CA), who criticized the bill as “pathetic,” warning of the potential loss of affordable health coverage if subsidies lapse without renewal by December 31.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) faced tough scrutiny, failing to keep his party united. Former House Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA) called for Schumer’s resignation, asserting: “Senator Schumer is no longer effective and should be replaced.”
Trump Weighs In
Former President Donald Trump, attending an NFL game in Maryland on the same day, remarked to reporters, “It looks like we’re getting very close to the shutdown ending.” Although he did not explicitly endorse the bill, his tone signified a shift from previous conservative calls for stricter limits on spending before agreeing to any resolution.
Remaining Hurdles
The Senate’s approval is only a preliminary step. The bill advances to the House of Representatives, where its fate remains uncertain. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has yet to commit to a floor vote, facing pushback from both House progressives and Republicans concerned about various provisions—including those affecting the hemp industry.
Brian Swensen, executive director of a leading hemp trade association, warned that the spending package “slams the door” on hundreds of thousands of American jobs within the sector. Critics of the bill assert it rolls back essential protections that have helped stabilize legal hemp markets over the past decade.
Within the House, Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) and Appropriations Committee ranking member Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) have registered their opposition to specific elements of the bill. Their dissent could complicate its passage in the lower chamber.
Looking Ahead
Should the House approve the funding measure, it will progress to the President for signature. Timing is crucial; without passing the bill, federal agencies may rely on court-ordered funding extensions that could lapse before Thanksgiving. Failure to secure full passage could set the stage for another shutdown as early as February.
Healthcare policy remains a volatile issue. As ACA subsidies risk expiration on December 31, millions may see their premiums spike in January unless Congress intervenes before the holiday break. Republicans have assured a vote on this matter, but a guarantee of success still hangs in the balance.
For now, federal workers can breathe a sigh of relief, airports may find stability, and food aid is set to resume—if the House aligns with the Senate’s action.
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