What’s in the legislation to end the federal government shutdown

A legislative package aimed at ending the government shutdown appears to be advancing after Senate Democrats joined with Republicans to break the 41-day impasse, the longest disruption of federal programs and services in U.S. history.

The bipartisan deal cleared a procedural hurdle Sunday night with a 60-40 vote, as eight Democrats crossed party lines to support the measure. The Senate could finalize passage as early as Monday, sending the bill to the House before it reaches President Donald Trump’s desk for signature.

“It looks like we’re getting close to the shutdown ending,” Trump remarked Sunday evening as he returned to the White House after watching the Washington Commanders’ game against the Detroit Lions.

The compromise package would fund most government operations through January 30 with a stopgap measure, while fully funding agricultural programs, military construction, and veterans’ affairs through September 2026. This hybrid approach represents what lawmakers consider a step toward more normal appropriations processes.

Senator Susan Collins of Maine, chair of the Appropriations Committee, expressed relief at the breakthrough. “This shutdown has gone on far too long,” she said. “It’s highly significant that we’ll have three yearlong appropriations bills attached. Veterans Day is coming very soon, and it would be wonderful if we get the full-year Veterans Affairs bill signed into law.”

The legislation ensures states will be reimbursed for funds they spent to maintain critical assistance programs during the shutdown, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program, which millions of vulnerable Americans rely on for basic needs.

Federal workers, many of whom have faced financial hardship during the lengthy shutdown, would receive back pay for furloughed time—something traditionally provided but that the Trump administration had suggested was not guaranteed. The measure also reinstates federal employees who received reduction-in-force notices and protects against similar actions in the future.

However, the deal has drawn sharp criticism for what it excludes. Notably absent is any resolution to expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies, a key Democratic priority. Instead of extending these subsidies immediately, the package only guarantees a vote on the issue in December, weeks before they’re set to expire. This concession prompted Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York to vote against advancing the bill, a rare dissent from the party leader.

“The American people want us to stand and fight for health care,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren, Democrat of Massachusetts, explaining her opposition.

The health care subsidies help defray costs for approximately 24 million Americans who purchase insurance through the ACA marketplace. Without an extension, these consumers face potentially significant premium increases.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York signaled his caucus would not support the legislation without the ACA tax credits. “Donald Trump and the Republican Party own the toxic mess they have created,” Jeffries stated, suggesting House Republicans will need to pass the measure largely on their own.

Political and procedural hurdles remain as the bill continues through Congress. Republican Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky voted against advancing the package, reportedly over concerns about a hemp industry provision. Additionally, three ultra-conservative GOP senators delayed voting for more than two hours Sunday as they pushed for consideration of their ideas.

The legislation faces further scrutiny in the House, where Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana maintains only a slim GOP majority and would likely need nearly unanimous Republican support if Democrats maintain their opposition.

As federal agencies prepare for the possibility of reopening, the political battle underscores the deep divisions that continue to hamper governance in Washington. The temporary nature of much of the funding also sets up another potential showdown in January, with the health care subsidies debate looming even sooner in December.