The Senate has approved a crucial funding bill designed to reopen the federal government after a 42-day shutdown. Lawmakers voted 60-40 on Monday to pass the spending package which restores federal paychecks and funds several key federal agencies. This action moves the nation closer to ending the extended government shutdown providing appropriations for parts of the government through September 2026 and others until January 2026 pending House approval.
The Democrats voting yes were Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (N.H.), Maggie Hassan (N.H.), John Fetterman (Pa.), Catherine Cortez Masto (Nev.), Jacky Rosen (Nev.), Tim Kaine (Va.) and Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (Ill.).
The legislative action follows a protracted government shutdown lasting 42 days. Democrats had consistently advocated for the extension of Affordable Care Act ACA tax credits set to expire by year-end. While the current appropriations bill does not directly address these subsidies Senate Republicans agreed to hold a separate vote on their extension. This agreement was pivotal in breaking the legislative deadlock allowing for the advancement of the funding bill. The overall package includes a continuing resolution that funds most federal agencies through January 30 2026. Additionally a “minibus” of three yearlong spending bills addresses critical areas including military construction the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Agriculture with full funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program SNAP.
The focus now shifts to the House of Representatives which is scheduled to reconvene Wednesday to vote on this funding bill. Should it pass federal workers are expected to return to their positions and receive backpay for the period of the government shutdown. The agreement also reverses any layoffs proposed or implemented by the Trump administration between October 1 2025 and the enactment date restoring affected employees to their status as of September 30 2025. Congress further intends to hold a vote on extending the Affordable Care Act tax credits during the second week of December. However House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) has expressed opposition to the current spending bill due to the omission of these credits.
The passage of this key funding bill in the Senate was widely reported across national news outlets. The Hill provided detailed coverage on the upcoming House vote and the broader implications of the legislative agreement as reported by The Hill. Further insights into the political dynamics surrounding the Affordable Care Act tax credits were also highlighted.