End of Government Shutdown on Horizon as Senate Breaks Stalemate

Mon Nov 10 2025 21:07:55 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a significant breakthrough, a coalition of bipartisan lawmakers, led by eight Senate Democrats, has voted to advance a compromise bill aimed at ending a prolonged government shutdown that has affected millions.

House Speaker Mike Johnson called for lawmakers to return to Washington after a group of Senate Democrats voted with Republicans to advance legislation to end the government shutdown. The Senate voted 60-40 to consider a compromise bill after a 40-day stalemate, though final votes remain uncertain. While some Democrats expressed frustration at the lack of guaranteed health care subsidy extensions, the deal aims to provide funding through January and reverse mass firings of federal workers. Democrats criticized the vote, asserting it sacrifices important healthcare provisions, while Republicans advocate for immediate action to resolve the shutdown's impacts.

WASHINGTON (AP) — In a pivotal move, House Speaker Mike Johnson urged lawmakers to return to Washington immediately following a key vote by a group of Senate Democrats that broke a 40-day deadlock. Late Sunday, these Senate Democrats aligned with Republicans to advance legislation intended to end the government shutdown, which has disrupted federal services and left many workers unpaid.

The Senate voted 60-40 to proceed with a compromise bill aimed at funding the government, though the timing for final votes remains unclear. Speaker Johnson declared the nightmare is finally coming to an end, emphasizing the urgent need to pass the legislation swiftly. The House has been out of session since mid-September, when it passed an earlier funding bill.

Negotiations involved moderate Senate Democrats who agreed to reopen government operations without securing a firm extension of health care subsidies. This decision sparked discontent within the Democratic caucus, as numerous members have long insisted on solid negotiations regarding the Affordable Care Act tax credits set to expire on January 1. Senate Republican Leader John Thune assured a mid-December vote concerning the subsidies, but success remains uncertain.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer opposed the advanced bill, joined by most of his party. We will not give up the fight, Schumer stated, underscoring that healthcare issues remain unresolved.

In a strategic move to end the shutdown, several former governors—including New Hampshire Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan—joined forces in advancing bipartisan spending bills. This agreement is intended to reinstate federal workers who faced layoffs, ensuring they receive back pay and supporting state efforts that mitigated interruptions in federal programs.

The implications of the government shutdown have thickened with canceled flights and the jeopardization of food aid for tens of millions of Americans. Treasury Secretary Sean Duffy indicated that air travel would be severely impacted if the shutdown continues, predicting significant disruptions ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Although the Senate's agreement introduces an opportunity for a swift resolution, the Republican-led House remains a potential impediment, particularly concerning healthcare debates. With mounting criticism from within the ranks of the Democratic party, the path forward involves continuous negotiations to secure essential provisions for affected Americans.