US Senate on Sunday approved a bipartisan measure to end the record-breaking 40-day federal government shutdown, moving the nation one step closer to restoring full federal operations.
The bill, which reauthorises funding and reverses recent federal layoffs, passed with exactly 60 votes, the minimum needed to advance as nearly all Republicans joined eight Democrats in support.
The measure must still pass the House of Representatives and be signed by President Donald Trump before taking effect.
The shutdown has crippled numerous government functions, grounding flights, disrupting national parks, and halting research programs across the country.
The earliest the House is expected to take up the bill is Wednesday or Thursday, as delays continue to impact the economy and air travel.
What does the bill include?
If enacted, the bill would keep the government open until January 30 of next year while funding certain key departments, including agriculture, veterans affairs, and military construction for the full fiscal year. It would also limit the president’s power to fire federal employees for several months.
In exchange, Republicans agreed to hold a December vote on extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, a major Democratic demand during funding negotiations.
The bill was reportedly brokered by Senators Maggie Hassan and Jeanne Shaheen (Democrats of New Hampshire) and Angus King (Independent of Maine). Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer voted against the measure.
“This agreement ensures that all federal employees, including members of our military and Coast Guard, Capitol police, Border Patrol agents, TSA screeners, and air-traffic controllers, will receive their back wages,” said Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine), chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee.
5 key takeaways from the Senate bill
- Federal funding extended through January 30, 2026 – The bill funds most federal agencies until January 30, with full-year appropriations for the Agriculture, Veterans Affairs, FDA, and military construction departments.
- Guaranteed backpay for federal workers – All federal employees affected by the shutdown, both furloughed and those who worked without pay will receive full back wages.
- Reinstatement of laid-off workers – Federal employees terminated during the shutdown will be reinstated, and the administration will be barred from making further layoffs until January 30.
- Full funding for SNAP benefits – The bill extends funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through September 2026, safeguarding food aid for more than 41 million Americans.
- Temporary funding resolution – The measure acts as a continuing resolution for the rest of government spending, meaning another shutdown could occur in early 2026 without a longer-term deal.