The United States Senate voted late Monday to approve a funding bill that could finally bring an end to the country’s longest-ever government shutdown.
The bipartisan measure, passed 60–40, would reopen federal agencies through January 30 and reinstate pay for hundreds of thousands of federal workers.
After weeks of political gridlock, the Senate’s approval marks the first major breakthrough in the five-week standoff that has paralyzed Washington. The bill will now move to the House of Representatives for a vote before heading to President Donald Trump’s desk for his signature.
House Speaker Mike Johnson said he hopes to pass the measure “as soon as Wednesday,” potentially ending a shutdown that has stretched into its 42nd day — the longest in U.S. history.
What’s in the deal?
The bipartisan package extends funding for the federal government until January 30, ensuring operations across key sectors resume quickly. It also guarantees back pay for federal employees who were furloughed or forced to work without pay since the shutdown began on October 1.
Additionally, the agreement includes three-year funding for:
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The Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
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Military construction and veterans affairs projects
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Congressional operations
Funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — which provides food aid to one in eight Americans — has also been extended through next September.
However, the deal leaves one contentious issue unresolved: healthcare subsidies. Senate Republicans agreed to address that separately in December through a standalone vote.
Mounting pressure on lawmakers
Public frustration has grown sharply as the shutdown’s effects rippled across the country. With hundreds of thousands of federal workers unpaid, key services — from food aid to air travel — faced disruption.
Last week, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a 10% reduction in air traffic operations due to staffing shortages, causing major delays at airports nationwide during one of the busiest travel seasons.
Trump had previously hinted he might use the shutdown as leverage to reduce the size of the federal workforce, further heightening tension in Washington.
The Senate’s deal followed intensive weekend negotiations, during which seven Democrats and one Independent agreed to back the funding package. While the vote represented a moment of rare bipartisan cooperation, sharp divisions remain within both chambers.
In the House, Republicans hold a razor-thin two-seat majority — meaning every vote will count. Speaker Johnson has recalled members from recess to Washington to ensure the bill passes swiftly.
Democrats had initially refused to support new spending without addressing expiring healthcare subsidies that help millions afford insurance through government exchanges. A separate December vote on that issue was the compromise that broke the deadlock.
