Washington, D.C.:The U.S. Senate on Monday approved legislation to reopen the federal government, ending the 41-day shutdown, the longest in American history. The 60–40 vote followed weeks of deadlock over expiring health care tax credits. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives, which is expected to vote within days.
President Donald Trump has backed the measure, saying, “We’re going to be opening up our country very quickly.”
The breakthrough came after moderate Democrats — Jeanne Shaheen, Maggie Hassan, Angus King, and Tim Kaine — joined Republicans in exchange for a promise of a December vote on extending health care subsidies. The legislation also guarantees back pay and job security for federal workers affected by the shutdown.
However, the vote has divided Democrats. Party leader Chuck Schumer opposed the deal, calling it a “temporary fix,” while progressives like Bernie Sanders and Chris Murphy said it gave Trump undue leverage. Others, including Hakeem Jeffries, praised Schumer’s leadership.
The next political battle looms over whether Congress will extend the COVID-era health care tax credits. Some Republicans, including Sen. Susan Collins, have shown openness to a modified extension, while House Speaker Mike Johnson has declined to commit to a vote.
The Senate earlier rejected a one-year extension of the subsidies in a 47–53 party-line vote, signaling tough negotiations ahead.