The longest government shutdown in U.S. history may be nearing its end, as a group of senators announced that a deal had been reached to move forward with funding legislation.
The Associated Press reported that Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Angus King (I-ME) have agreed on a deal to extend government funding through January, along with three other annual spending bills. The Senate is scheduled to hold an initial vote on Sunday evening to test whether the plan has enough support.
As news of the deal spread, some Democrats voiced opposition, particularly because the agreement falls short of extending Affordable Care Act subsidies through next year. According to CNN, the plan includes a promise to hold a vote on the health care subsidies by December.
Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), who previously voted against the government funding proposal, indicated on Sunday that he would now support it under the terms of this deal. “This deal guarantees a vote to extend Affordable Care Act premium tax credits, which Republicans weren’t willing to do,” Kaine said. “Lawmakers know their constituents expect them to vote for it, and if they don’t, they could very well be replaced at the ballot box by someone who will.”
The deal also includes reinstatement of government workers who were dismissed during the shutdown, which began on October 1, as well as back pay for federal employees who have been furloughed or have gone without pay during the impasse, Kaine added.
However, Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) announced that he would be voting against the deal. “It does nothing to stop premiums from doubling for millions of Americans,” he posted on X. “Democrats are fighting to make health care more affordable and hold this corrupt and lawless administration accountable. We can’t end this fight now. I will be voting no.”
Last week, Democrats were celebratory following their sweep of midterm elections, which seemed to embolden Senate lawmakers to hold out longer. But starting on Friday, the Trump administration announced reductions in flights at major airports, citing staffing shortages among air traffic controllers. Additionally, funding for food and nutritional benefits has been affected, despite the availability of contingency funds.
As the vote approaches, all eyes will be on the Senate to see if this deal can break the stalemate and bring an end to the prolonged shutdown.
https://deadline.com/2025/11/government-shutdown-senate-vote-trump-1236612319/
