U.S. Senate Votes to End Longest Government Shutdown in History, Bill Heads to House
In a decisive move to end a protracted political crisis, the U.S. Senate voted on November 10, 2025, to pass legislation that would reopen the federal government, breaking a 41-day stalemate that constituted the longest shutdown in American history. The bill now advances to the House of Representatives for a final vote.
The critical vote was 60 in favor to 40 against, reaching the threshold needed to overcome a filibuster and marking a dramatic breakthrough after more than six weeks of gridlock that left hundreds of thousands of federal workers without pay and disrupted vital public services.
What’s in the Senate Funding Bill?
The bipartisan deal, which funds the government through January 30, 2026, includes several key provisions:
Reverses Furloughs: Prevents and reverses mass layoffs of federal employees, allowing workers to return to their jobs.
Protects Food Assistance: Safeguards funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, through at least September 2026.
Back Pay Guaranteed: Federal workers are expected to receive back pay for the duration of the shutdown once the bill is signed into law.
A Bipartisan, Yet Fragile, Coalition
The path to passage was forged by a coalition of nearly all Republican senators and a small group of moderate Democrats, along with one Independent. This cross-party alliance was necessary to secure the 60 votes required.
However, the deal exposed deep divisions within the Democratic party. Many Democrats refused to support the agreement because it did not include a guaranteed extension for Affordable Care Act (ACA) health-care subsidies, which are set to expire on January 1. The bill only promises a separate vote on the subsidies in December, with no assurance of their passage.
The political rift was clear in leaders’ statements. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) celebrated, stating the “end is in sight” for the shutdown. In contrast, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) criticized the measure as a “betrayal” of core party priorities.
What Happens Next?
All attention now shifts to the House of Representatives, which has been in recess since mid-September. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has indicated he will call lawmakers back to vote on the bill, potentially as early as Wednesday.
If the House passes the bill without changes and President Biden signs it, government operations can restart immediately, ending the shutdown and triggering the process for federal employees to receive their missed paychecks.
Unresolved Tensions and Lasting Impact
While the immediate funding crisis may be resolved, the political conflict over health-care subsidies remains a major flashpoint. Progressive Democrats expressed significant dismay over the compromise, viewing the exclusion of guaranteed ACA protections as a major concession.
The shutdown’s 41-day duration had a mounting impact on the American public, causing travel disruptions, delays in benefit processing, and financial hardship for federal families. The news of the Senate breakthrough was met with relief, with financial markets responding positively.
Also Read: US Senate Takes Key Step Toward Ending Government Shutdown After Bipartisan Compromise
Summary: A Turning Point with More Battles Ahead
The Senate’s vote is a pivotal step toward ending the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. While the government is poised to reopen, the compromise reveals the fragility of bipartisan cooperation and sets the stage for a new political battle over health-care subsidies in December. The nation now watches to see if the House will act swiftly to finally bring this chapter to a close.
