The U.S. Senate took a vital step Sunday evening by passing the initial procedural vote to end the government shutdown that began on October 1. This vote cleared the way for further action on a funding agreement intended to keep the government open through January.
The motion passed narrowly, 60–40, after eight Democrats broke party ranks to support the deal alongside Republicans. The vote was delayed over two hours to await Senator John Cornyn’s arrival from Texas, who cast the crucial “aye” vote.
This agreement, forged after intense weekend talks, excludes the Democrats’ main demand to extend enhanced subsidies under the Affordable Care Act. However, Republicans promised a December vote on a bill chosen by Democrats to renew these tax credits, which benefit more than 20 million Americans.
Before the shutdown ends, the deal must pass the House and be signed by President Donald Trump. It guarantees the reversal of all permanent federal worker layoffs during the shutdown and full pay for furloughed employees. It also introduces bipartisan budget reforms aimed at preventing future shutdowns.
Funding for the SNAP programme, helping 42 million Americans with food aid, is secured through September, despite recent administration moves to limit November payments amid the shutdown.
Initially stalled at 56 votes, the tally climbed as three Republicans—Rick Scott, Ron Johnson, and Mike Lee—joined after talks with Senate Majority Leader John Thune. Kentucky’s Rand Paul opposed the measure.
Thune, after 14 failed votes, expressed hope to end the shutdown. He negotiated the deal with White House officials and Democratic Senators Jeanne Shaheen, Maggie Hassan, and Angus King.
Democrats backing the deal included Dick Durbin, Catherine Cortez Masto, Jacky Rosen, John Fetterman, and Tim Kaine. Senator Bernie Sanders criticised the agreement as “horrific,” calling the ACA vote offer a “totally meaningless gesture.”
King admitted dropping the ACA extension demand, citing Republican unwillingness to negotiate during the shutdown, and highlighted the harm from continued closure.
Shaheen described the deal as the “only option” to reopen the government and start ACA subsidy talks immediately.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer opposed the deal vigorously, blaming Republicans and President Trump for refusing to extend ACA credits, which would raise health insurance costs for millions.
Before voting for the agreement, Kaine stressed that it was the only path forward to fix healthcare and protect federal workers, noting it guarantees a vote on ACA premium tax credits “which Republicans weren’t willing to do.” He warned lawmakers that ignoring constituents’ wishes could lead to electoral consequences.
Public polls show strong support for extending enhanced ACA subsidies introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic.