After 40 days of a government shutdown that left millions of Americans in financial uncertainty, the U.S. Senate finally reached a late-night agreement on Sunday. A group of Republicans, seven Democrats, and one Independent teamed up to push a temporary funding measure through, keeping the government running until late January.
The Senate passed the stopgap bill with a 60-40 vote around 11 p.m., clearing the first major hurdle. The House is expected to take it up Monday, sending it to President Donald Trump for signature.
A Painful Shutdown for Millions
The shutdown had wide-reaching consequences. About 42 million Americans temporarily lost access to SNAP benefits, more than a million federal employees went without pay, and airlines canceled thousands of flights. The economic ripple effect touched families and businesses across the country.
For many Democrats, the deal was bittersweet. Some celebrated that government operations could finally resume, but others expressed outrage. California Governor Gavin Newsom called the agreement “pathetic” and warned, “America deserves better.”
Internal Party Friction
Tensions within the Democratic Party flared after the vote. Representative Ro Khanna criticized Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, suggesting he was no longer effective and should step aside. Some party leaders feared that working with Republicans without securing healthcare protections set a troubling precedent.
The seven Democrats who sided with Republicans included Dick Durbin, Jeanne Shaheen, John Fetterman, Catherine Cortez Masto, Maggie Hassan, Tim Kaine, and Jacky Rosen. Independent Angus King of Maine also voted in favor, caucusing with Democrats.
King explained that while he opposed using shutdowns as leverage, “everybody felt we had to do something,” acknowledging the limited tools available. Tim Kaine supported the measure after securing a guarantee for laid-off federal workers to be reinstated with back pay.
Divided Perspectives on the Deal
Supporters of the deal argued it protected federal employees from sudden termination and ensured they would receive back pay. Kaine described it as a “critical step” for those relying on government services.
Critics, however, called it an empty compromise. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker slammed the agreement as “not a deal—it’s an empty promise,” warning that it left healthcare costs and access vulnerable. Progressive lawmakers, including Texas Representative Greg Casar, said the deal was a “betrayal” of Americans relying on Democrats to fight for affordable healthcare.
The Republican Angle
President Trump expressed optimism on Sunday, emphasizing that he would not support funding for undocumented immigrants. Senate Majority Leader John Thune pushed to move the measure quickly through the House, citing public frustration over the prolonged shutdown.
With Republicans holding 53 Senate seats—short of the 60 needed for most legislation—they relied on cross-party support to secure passage. Both parties shared concerns about the shutdown’s escalating consequences, from economic strain to widespread travel disruptions.
Human Costs and Food Insecurity
The shutdown’s effect on Americans relying on SNAP benefits was historic. For the first time, payments ran dry, leaving millions struggling to afford groceries. Feeding America reported a sixfold spike in traffic to its food-bank locator, with long lines and empty shelves becoming the norm.
Transportation disruptions also worsened. On Sunday alone, more than 2,000 flights were canceled, and another 7,000 delayed. Officials warned that holiday travel could be significantly impacted as staffing shortages continue to disrupt airline schedules.
Looking Ahead
Even with the Senate vote, uncertainty remains. House Democrats, led by Hakeem Jeffries, have vowed to fight the bill unless healthcare protections, like ACA tax credits, are secured. Some Senate Democrats continue to warn that the temporary deal could embolden Republicans to push further concessions.
Meanwhile, federal workers anxiously await the resumption of paychecks, families hope for reliable SNAP benefits, and political leaders prepare for the next battles over healthcare and government funding. The shutdown may have paused, but its effects—and the divisions it exposed—are likely to be felt for months to come.