Senate approves measure to end the US gov’t shutdown
Image: Louisville Courier Journal
On Monday night, the Senate officially approved a bipartisan package to fund the federal government and end the ongoing shutdown, which has now been in effect for a record-high 43 days and counting.
The final vote on Monday was 60-40, with seven Democrats plus Sen. Angus King (I-ME) voting "Yes," and Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul as the lone Republican voting "No."
What’s in the package?
The new bipartisan resolution allows the government to be funded until January 30, giving lawmakers time to craft full-year spending bills for the 2026 fiscal year.
- Three such yearlong funding bills—out of 12 total—were included in the agreement, covering funds for the Agriculture Department, Department of Veteran Affairs, and legislative branch.
- Additionally, the Senate deal would reverse all Trump administration layoffs announced after the government shut down on October 1, while all ~1.25 million furloughed federal workers would receive back pay.
The agreement also includes the promise of a Senate vote next month on a Democrat-backed bill to extend Covid-era Affordable Care Act tax credits, which are set to expire in 2026. However, the measure will reportedly be set at a 60-vote threshold, which analysts say makes it unlikely to pass.
- Until this week, Democrats in Congress had refused to fund the government and end the shutdown without also extending those ACA tax credits.
- Many Democratic lawmakers and liberal grassroots groups harshly criticized the bipartisan Senate agreement and the moderate Dems who moved to cut a deal, saying it fails to address the “healthcare crisis” that will occur when the tax credits expire.
Zoom out: Overall, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates the shutdown will reduce annualized Q4 GDP growth by 1.5 percentage points. But experts stress that if US GDP does decrease, it’ll be difficult to figure out how much is due to the shutdown, and how much stems from other economic issues like a continuing slowdown in the job market.
Looking ahead…The House is expected to vote on the bipartisan funding package as soon as today after lawmakers return to Washington. President Trump already supports the deal, clearing the way for the federal government to officially reopen this week.
📊 Flash poll (long-form): What are your thoughts on the upcoming end of the US government shutdown? The most thoughtful answers will be featured in tomorrow’s newsletter.
See a 360° view of what pundits are saying →
Sprinkles from the Left
- Some commentators argue that the Senate Democrats who broke ranks negotiated a deal to end the shutdown in return for very little—because actually receiving what they wanted, in extended ACA subsidies, would solve a huge electoral problem for Republicans, rather than letting the tax credits expire and have Americans blame the GOP.
- Others contend that the eight Democratic senators deserve credit for breaking ranks, as a cursory tour through the US’ history with shutdowns shows that the party that takes the government hostage to advance its policy goals almost never succeeds.
- “Democrats Were Winning the Shutdown. Why Did They Fold?” –Ezra Klein, NY Times
- “The shutdown was always going to end like this” –WaPo Editorial Board
- “The Shutdown Is Ending. Did Democrats … Win?” –Nia-Malika Henderson, Bloomberg
Sprinkles from the Right
- Some commentators argue that the seven Democrats and lone Independent who voted to end the longest gov’t shutdown in US history should be congratulated, not denounced like progressives are doing, and Republicans deserve credit for holding firm against Dem demands.
- Others contend that the government shutdown did not turn out to be an effective tool for changing policy—the same as when GOP lawmakers did it in the past—proving once again that closing the government only results in needless difficulties for Americans due to missing or reduced benefits, flight delays, and other hardships.
- “Democrats Throw a Shutdown Tantrum” –WSJ Editorial Board
- “Once again, government shutdowns don’t work” –Deseret Editorial Board
- “Democrats despair as colleagues cave on Schumer shutdown” –NY Post Editorial Board
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