The U.S. Senate took a significant step on Sunday towards ending the 40-day federal government shutdown, which has disrupted public services, delayed food assistance, and caused travel disruptions across the country. In a procedural vote, senators advanced a House-approved bill that will be amended to fund the government until 30 January and include a package of three full-year appropriations bills.
If passed, the amended measure will return to the House of Representatives for approval before being sent to President Donald Trump for signature, a process expected to take several days. The proposal followed negotiations with a group of Democrats, leading to a commitment by Republicans to hold a December vote on extending Affordable Care Act subsidies, a key Democratic demand.
The procedural vote passed 60–40, just enough to overcome a Senate filibuster. The bill would also protect federal employees from dismissal until 30 January, temporarily halting Trump’s plans to reduce the federal workforce, which currently stands at 2.2 million civilians. Additionally, it ensures back pay for all affected government workers, including military personnel and air-traffic controllers.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Sunday’s vote was a positive sign, expressing hope that bipartisan cooperation would allow the chamber to pass the measure early in the week.
