Senate advances deal to end government shutdown, sparking democratic divide

The Senate has taken an initial step toward ending the government shutdown, voting 60–40 on Sunday to move forward with a compromise funding plan. The measure would reopen the government and schedule a separate vote in mid-December on extending Affordable Care Act tax credits that are set to expire on January 1. This compromise came after weeks of stalemate. A small group of moderate Democrats agreed to proceed without securing a guaranteed extension of the health care subsidies, a move that frustrated many in their party who argue the subsidies are critical and should not be postponed.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer voted against advancing the package, along with most Democrats, saying he could not support a deal that does not ensure the subsidies’ renewal. Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders and others called backing down a serious mistake, arguing voters recently signaled support for strengthening health care, not delaying action. The breakthrough was driven by Senators Jeanne Shaheen, Maggie Hassan, and Angus King — all former governors — who pushed for a path forward. The agreement would reopen shuttered federal agencies, restore pay for workers, and reverse mass layoffs that occurred during the shutdown, which began October 1. Funding for some government programs would be locked in until late January.

Several Republican senators held out until speaking with President Donald Trump. After returning from a football game, Trump said only that the shutdown seemed close to ending. House Democrats criticized the Senate compromise almost immediately. Members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus said the deal gives up key leverage and leaves families facing higher health care costs. Final approval in the Senate could still take several days if Democrats insist on delaying tactics, meaning the shutdown — already disrupting flights, food assistance programs, and pay for federal employees — may not end immediately.