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U.S. Senate Moves Forward on Bill to End 40-Day Government Shutdown
Senate advances measure to reopen the U.S. government, provide back pay to federal workers, and extend funding until Jan 30. ACA subsidies debate continues.
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by Muhammad Hashir
2025-11-10
U.S. Senate Moves Forward on Bill to End 40-Day Government Shutdown

The U.S. Senate took a major step Sunday toward ending the 40-day federal government shutdown, advancing a House-passed bill designed to restore funding, provide back pay to federal employees, and stall President Trump’s federal downsizing efforts.

In a procedural vote, senators advanced the legislation, which will now be amended to fund the government until January 30, 2026, and include three full-year appropriations bills. Final passage will require approval by both the Senate and the House, followed by President Trump’s signature.

The bill also prohibits federal agencies from terminating employees until January 30, a win for federal worker unions. Approximately 2.2 million civilians work for the federal government, with at least 300,000 employees expected to leave by year-end due to downsizing efforts. The measure would provide back pay for all federal employees, including military personnel, Border Patrol agents, and air traffic controllers.

The procedural vote passed 60-40, the minimum needed to overcome a Senate filibuster. President Trump expressed optimism, telling reporters, “It looks like we’re getting very close to the shutdown ending.”

The measure also includes a deal to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, brokered by Senators Maggie Hassan, Jeanne Shaheen, and Independent Angus King. The subsidies, which help lower-income Americans pay for private insurance, are set to expire at the end of the year. Debate over healthcare funding has been central to the shutdown.

Some Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, opposed the bill, while Republicans emphasized urgency. Senator Thom Tillis cited the mounting economic and operational pressures, including disrupted air travel, delayed food aid, and stalled government services, as reasons for moving forward.

White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett warned that prolonged shutdown could push the U.S. economy into negative growth in the fourth quarter, particularly if air travel disruptions continue into the Thanksgiving holiday season.

President Trump also criticized ACA subsidies, calling them a “windfall for health insurance companies” and proposing direct payments to individuals instead. The administration indicated a willingness to address the issue once government funding is restored, as the ACA open enrollment period runs through January 15, 2026.

As Congress works to finalize the bill, federal workers remain in limbo, and millions of Americans are affected by stalled government services, highlighting the urgency of resolving the shutdown ahead of the holiday season.
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