Senate Compromise Paves Way to End Longest U.S. Government Shutdown
The longest government shutdown in U.S. history may finally come to an end this week after a Senate compromise to restore federal funding cleared an initial hurdle late Sunday. While the deal marks significant progress, it remains unclear when Congress will grant final approval.
The proposed agreement would reopen key federal agencies that lost funding on October 1, offering long-awaited relief to low-income families who faced food subsidy disruptions, federal employees left unpaid for more than a month, and travelers affected by thousands of flight cancellations.
Under the plan, government funding would be extended through January 30, temporarily averting further disruption while the U.S. continues to add roughly $1.8 trillion annually to its $38 trillion national debt.
Although President Donald Trump’s Republicans control both chambers of Congress, Democrats used procedural rules requiring 60 Senate votes to push for a separate health insurance subsidy extension that supports 24 million Americans. The Senate compromise would set up a December vote on that issue.
The deal emerged just a week after Democrats scored major election victories in New Jersey, Virginia, and New York City, where a democratic socialist was elected mayor. However, the move by eight moderate Democrats to advance Sunday’s deal drew criticism from within the party, as it included no guarantee that the later health vote would succeed in either chamber.
Moderate Democrats Lead the Negotiations
According to sources familiar with the talks, the deal was brokered by Senators Maggie Hassan and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, along with Independent Senator Angus King of Maine.
“For over a month, I’ve been focused on reopening government and extending ACA premium tax credits. This is our best path forward,” Shaheen wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Democrats have struggled throughout the year to counter Trump’s agenda, with Republican majorities in both Congress and the Supreme Court shaping fiscal policy. A Reuters/Ipsos poll from late October showed 50% of Americans blamed Republicans for the shutdown, compared with 43% blaming Democrats.
Trump has also canceled billions in federal spending and reduced government payrolls, moves that some lawmakers argue overstep Congress’s constitutional authority on fiscal matters. Critics warn that the new agreement lacks safeguards to prevent similar unilateral actions in the future, though it would temporarily block further layoffs until January 30.
Next Steps Toward Final Approval
Before the deal becomes law, the Senate must reach a bipartisan agreement to move swiftly to a final vote. Without it, procedural steps could delay passage and extend the shutdown into next weekend. The Republican-controlled House must also approve the bill before it can be sent to President Trump for his signature.
House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed optimism on Monday, saying he hopes to vote quickly on the measure.
“It appears this morning that our long national nightmare is finally coming to an end,” Johnson told reporters.
Financial markets reacted positively, with U.S. stocks rising Monday on signs that the government could soon reopen. However, economists warn that continued shutdown delays could weigh on fourth-quarter economic growth, especially if air travel disruptions persist into the Thanksgiving holiday on November 27, according to White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett.
