Senate Advances Bipartisan Funding Bill to End 40-Day Government Shutdown

The Senate advanced a bipartisan funding bill on Sunday night, taking a significant step towards ending the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, which has lasted 40 days. According to CBS News, the measure received support from eight Democrats, allowing it to pass with a 60-40 vote. This collaboration between Senate Republicans and moderate Democrats marks a pivotal moment after 14 previous attempts failed to reach the necessary votes to advance legislation. Senate Majority Leader John Thune emphasized that the time to act was now, citing the urgent need to address the impact of the shutdown on federal workers and services, particularly with air travel disruptions and food assistance delays becoming increasingly severe (The New York Sun).

However, the deal does not include the health care subsidies that Democrats have been advocating for. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed his disapproval of the funding bill, stating that the failure to address the healthcare crisis was unacceptable and a betrayal of the American people (The Guardian US). The agreement does promise a vote on extending Affordable Care Act tax credits by December, but many in the Democratic caucus feel this is not sufficient. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries indicated that House Democrats would oppose any bill that does not extend these credits, reaffirming the party's commitment to health care issues (Bloomberg).

The funding bill would authorize government operations through January 30, 2026, and includes provisions to reverse layoffs of federal workers since the shutdown began on October 1, 2023. The Senate's action follows weeks of negotiations, particularly among moderate senators who opted to support the bill in exchange for the promise of a future vote on health care reforms (Syracuse.com). This compromise has split the Democratic Party, with some members, including Senator Bernie Sanders, criticizing the decision to move forward without securing immediate extensions of health care subsidies.

The ongoing government shutdown has affected over 700,000 federal workers, with many forced to work without pay. Moreover, the shutdown has prompted significant disruptions in air travel, with thousands of flights canceled and delayed as federal aviation services are strained (CBS News). The Senate's advancement of the funding bill is now expected to move to the House, where the reception is uncertain, particularly among Democrats who feel the deal falls short of addressing key health care needs (The New York Sun).

As this situation develops, both parties are bracing for intense negotiations in the coming days, particularly around the proposed health care vote and the implications of the funding agreement. The urgency of resolving the shutdown is underscored by the approaching Thanksgiving holiday, traditionally one of the busiest travel times of the year (The Guardian US).