The U.S. Senate has successfully approved a crucial bill aimed at reopening the government following the longest government shutdown in history. In a decisive 60-40 vote on Monday night, this bipartisan compromise brings together three full-year funding measures into a single package, complemented by a stopgap funding bill that will ensure the government remains operational through January 30.
This landmark vote was made possible after seven Democratic senators, along with Senator Angus King (I-Maine), crossed party lines to support the measure, helping to clear a key procedural hurdle that necessitated 60 votes. The passage of this bill marks a significant step towards ending the record-breaking shutdown that has affected countless Americans.
Following the Senate's approval, the bill now moves to the House of Representatives, where it must also be voted on before it can receive final approval from President Donald Trump. This step is crucial for the bill to take effect and for the government to resume normal operations.
Despite the bipartisan effort, the funding bill does not address the Democratic calls for extensions to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, which are set to expire at the end of the year. The lack of these extensions could result in increased healthcare costs for millions of Americans, a concern that has been voiced by many lawmakers.
In response to these concerns, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-South Dakota) has committed to holding a separate vote in December to evaluate the potential extension of ACA subsidies. This upcoming vote will be critical in determining the future of healthcare affordability for many.
The bill’s approval comes after numerous failed attempts to pass similar funding measures since September 30, which have contributed to the ongoing government shutdown. For a detailed look at how each senator voted on this pivotal legislation, see the table below.
