The U.S. government shutdown, now in its 41st day, is poised to conclude this week following a dramatic 60-40 Senate vote late Sunday to advance a stopgap funding bill reopening federal operations through January 30, bundled with a three-bill minibus for FY2026 funding in military construction, veterans affairs, agriculture, and the legislative branch.
The package includes provisions reversing mass firings of federal workers during the shutdown and prohibiting layoffs until January 30, marking a pivotal bipartisan win amid mounting economic pressure and public frustration.
In a key concession, eight Senate Democrats crossed party lines to back the measure, securing a promise from Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) for a mid-December vote on extending expiring Obamacare subsidies—an offer Thune had floated weeks earlier. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) voted no, drawing sharp rebuke from progressives despite the impasse's toll on his leadership.
The Senate reconvenes at 11 a.m. Monday, with lawmakers aiming to wrap final votes on the continuing resolution (CR) and minibus by day's end to depart for Veterans Day on Tuesday—though unanimous consent from all 100 senators is needed for swift passage.
The bill then heads to the House, potentially for a vote Wednesday or Thursday, where Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) faces pressure to align quickly and avoid prolonging the chaos that has furloughed hundreds of thousands and halted services nationwide.