The U.S. Senate on Sunday, November 9, 2025, advanced a key measure aimed at reopening the federal government and ending a 40-day shutdown that has disrupted services, grounded thousands of federal workers, and strained the nation’s air travel network.
In a procedural vote, senators approved a House-passed bill that will be amended to extend government funding through January 30 while incorporating three full-year appropriations bills.
If the Senate passes the amended version, the legislation will still require approval from the House of Representatives and President Donald Trump’s signature, a process that could take several days.
Under a compromise reached with a small group of Democrats who broke ranks with their leadership, Republicans agreed to hold a December vote on extending Affordable Care Act subsidies. These subsidies, which help low-income Americans afford private health insurance, are set to expire at year’s end and have been a major Democratic priority.
The motion to advance the bill passed narrowly by a 60-40 vote, the minimum required to overcome a Senate filibuster.
“It looks like we’re getting very close to the shutdown ending,” President Trump told reporters at the White House before the vote.
The proposal would temporarily bar federal agencies from terminating employees until January 30, a concession viewed as a victory for federal worker unions and their advocates. The provision also halts Trump’s ongoing downsizing effort targeting the federal workforce.
Currently, about 2.2 million civilians work for the federal government, and an estimated 300,000 are expected to exit by year’s end as part of Trump’s reduction plans.
The measure also guarantees back pay for all federal employees, including military personnel, Border Patrol officers, and air traffic controllers affected by the shutdown.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said lawmakers would seek bipartisan consent to fast-track the final vote when the chamber reconvenes Monday. “It was a good vote tonight,” Thune said after adjournment. “Hopefully, we’ll get an opportunity tomorrow to set up the next votes. Of course, that’s going to take some cooperation and consent.”
The compromise was reportedly brokered by Democratic Senators Maggie Hassan and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, alongside Independent Senator Angus King of Maine, according to a source familiar with the talks.
“For over a month, I’ve made clear that my priorities are to both reopen government and extend the ACA enhanced premium tax credits. This is our best path toward accomplishing both of these goals,” Senator Shaheen posted on X.
However, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer opposed the measure, sparking frustration within his caucus. “Senator Schumer is no longer effective and should be replaced,” Representative Ro Khanna wrote on X. “If you can’t lead the fight to stop healthcare premiums from skyrocketing for Americans, what will you fight for?”
Now entering its 40th day, the shutdown has disrupted food aid programs, shuttered national parks, and caused severe air travel delays, raising concerns that the busy Thanksgiving holiday could be thrown into chaos.
Senator Thom Tillis, Republican of North Carolina, said the shutdown’s growing impact helped drive progress. “Temperatures cool, the atmospheric pressure increases outside and all of a sudden it looks like things will come together,” he told reporters.
White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett warned that prolonged government closure could push U.S. economic growth into negative territory for the fourth quarter, especially if air travel remains crippled through Thanksgiving on November 27.
Meanwhile, President Trump reiterated his opposition to Affordable Care Act subsidies, calling instead for direct payments to individuals. Posting on Truth Social, he wrote: “I stand ready to work with both Parties to solve this problem once the Government is open,” while describing the subsidies as a “windfall for Health Insurance Companies, and a DISASTER for the American people.”
Health experts predict that, without congressional intervention, monthly premiums for 2026 Obamacare plans could more than double once the pandemic-era subsidies expire at year’s end. The enrollment period, however, runs until January 15, leaving a narrow window for legislative action.
