In a surprising turn of events during the longest U.S. government shutdown, eight Democratic senators broke ranks with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to advance a continuing resolution (CR). The Senate voted 60-40 on Sunday night, clearing the 60-vote hurdle after 14 prior failures, potentially ending the 40-day shutdown crisis. The House is expected to vote in favor of ending the shutdown later today, sending the bill to the President’s desk to reopen the government.
The House-passed measure extends funding through January 31, 2026, advances three appropriations bills, funds a federal food aid program through FY 2026, and reverses Trump-era mass layoffs of federal workers. It also schedules a vote on extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, though Republicans in congress are expected to block it.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) lauded the progress, stressing relief for taxpayers from a “flawed program.” He convened weekend sessions amid missed paychecks, disrupted food stamps, and air travel delays.
The defectors: Senators Tim Kaine (Va.), Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan (N.H.), Jacky Rosen (Nev.), Dick Durbin (Ill., retiring Minority Whip), John Fetterman (Pa.), Catherine Cortez Masto (Nev.), and Angus King (Maine, Independent caucusing with Democrats). They faced pushback from leadership and progressives for lacking ACA guarantees.
Key negotiator Sen. King said: “As the shutdown drags on, a ACA solution seems unlikely… We’re not getting what we want, but we get a vote on subsidies.”
Opponents included Sen. Jon Ossoff (Ga.), eyeing 2026 reelection, and 2028 hopefuls Sens. Ruben Gallego (Ariz.) and Chris Murphy (Conn.). Gallego: “I can’t support a show vote ignoring 24 million Americans’ healthcare.” Murphy: “Voting for Trump’s CR without protections against cuts or illegality is a mistake. I voted NO.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (N.Y.) and the DNC slammed the deal for weak healthcare safeguards. The recessed House (since Sept. 19) may reconvene within 36 hours post-Senate passage, which could take days.
This reveals Democratic divisions as President Trump has undoubtedly won this battle by refusing to negotiate with “kamikaze” Democrat leadership. The CR provides shutdown relief but defers ACA fights, fostering rare bipartisanship in a divided Congress.
