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The longest U.S. government shutdown in history may soon end after the Senate advanced a compromise bill late Sunday to restore federal funding. The measure, which passed an initial hurdle, would reopen agencies that lost funding on October 1 and bring relief to millions of Americans affected by the 40-day impasse.
The proposed deal would fund the government through January 30, temporarily halting disruptions to essential services such as food subsidies, air travel, and federal employee pay. Nearly 800,000 government workers have gone unpaid, while travel delays and thousands of canceled flights have added to public frustration.
If approved, the bill would also extend the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through September 30 next year, ensuring continued food aid for low-income families. However, the deal does not include protections against future spending cuts by President Donald Trump, who has previously reduced federal payrolls and canceled billions in spending without congressional approval.
President Trump’s Republican Party controls both chambers of Congress, but Democrats have used Senate rules requiring a 60-vote threshold to push for an extension of health insurance subsidies benefiting 24 million Americans. The compromise sets up a December vote on that issue, though many Democrats remain skeptical about its success.
The bipartisan agreement was led by Democratic Senators Maggie Hassan and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, and Independent Senator Angus King of Maine. Senator Dick Durbin acknowledged the deal’s limitations but said ending the shutdown was vital for the country.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll showed 50% of Americans blamed Republicans for the shutdown, while 43% blamed Democrats. Following news of the deal, U.S. stocks rose on Monday amid optimism for reopening the government.
House Speaker Mike Johnson stated the House could vote on the bill as early as Wednesday, potentially sending it to President Trump for approval. If delays persist, however, the shutdown could extend into next weekend, threatening to slow economic growth heading into the holiday season.
