U.S. Senate approves compromise ending historic government shutdown

THE U.S. Senate on Monday approved a compromise that would end the longest government shutdown in American history, passing a 60-40 vote that included support from nearly all Republicans and eight Democrats.

The shutdown, which began after lawmakers allowed federal funding to expire on October 1, had disrupted food benefits for millions, left hundreds of thousands of federal employees unpaid, and caused widespread air traffic delays.

Reuters reported on Tuesday that while Democrats attempted to tie government funding to health insurance subsidies for 24 million Americans set to expire at the end of the year, the agreement only schedules a December vote on those benefits, with no guarantee of continuation.

The deal also blocks President Donald Trump’s plan to reduce the federal workforce, preventing any layoffs until January 30, 2026.

The measure now moves to the Republican-controlled House of Representatives, where Speaker Mike Johnson has indicated a desire to pass it as early as Wednesday.

Trump called the agreement “very good.” The deal extends government funding through January 30, temporarily putting the federal government on track to add approximately US$1.8 trillion annually to its US$38 trillion debt.

The agreement has sparked frustration among many Democrats, particularly in light of recent Democratic election victories in New Jersey, Virginia, and New York City. Senator Dick Durbin, the chamber’s second-ranking Democrat, remarked: “We wish we could do more. The government shutting down seemed to be an opportunity to lead us to better policy. It didn't work.”

A late October Reuters/Ipsos poll indicated that 50% of Americans blamed Republicans for the shutdown, while 43% blamed Democrats. U.S. stock markets rose on Monday following news of the agreement, reflecting investor relief at progress toward ending the stalemate.

Although the deal funds the SNAP food-subsidy programme through September 30 next year, preventing potential disruption if Congress were to shut down the government again, it does not include provisions to restrict Trump from further unilateral spending cuts.

Democrats have raised concerns about the precedent set by past actions, including the president cancelling billions in spending and reducing federal payrolls, arguing that such moves challenge Congress’s constitutional authority over fiscal matters. - November 11, 2025