The U.S. Senate took a significant step on Sunday night toward ending the federal Government shutdown that has paralyzed Washington for 40 days.

In a 60-40 procedural vote, lawmakers agreed to move forward with a funding bill that would keep federal agencies running until January 30, 2026. 

TThe deal, reached between Republicans and eight moderate Democrats, excludes a guaranteed extension of Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies —a decision that angered many progressives, who argue that healthcare assistance should remain a top priority. 

Democratic leader Chuck Schumer voted against the measure, along with most of his caucus. Only eight Democrats broke ranks, giving Republicans just enough support to advance the bill.

The proposal will now be amended to include three annual appropriations measures before returning to the Senate floor for final approval. It will then move to the House of Representatives, and if passed, to President Donald Trump’s desk for signature. 

Under the agreement, Republicans pledged to hold a separate vote in December on renewing the ACA subsidies, which expire on January 1. These subsidies help low-income Americans afford private insurance and have been a cornerstone of Democratic healthcare policy. 

What will be voted on in January

The legislation prohibits federal agencies from laying off workers until January 2026, providing temporary relief to federal unions. It also ensures that furloughed employees will receive back pay once the shutdown ends and reimburses states that used their own funds to keep federal programs running. 

Currently, about 2.2 million civilians work for the federal Government, though projections suggest that roughly 300,000 could leave by year’s end due to staff cuts initiated by the Trump administration. 

The funding package also covers food assistance, veterans’ programs, and legislative operations, giving Congress more than two months to complete broader spending negotiations. 

Republicans have framed the vote as a step toward restoring normalcy, while progressives criticize it as a concession that weakens healthcare protections.

Across the country, the shutdown has disrupted air travel, closed museums, delayed scholarships, and left thousands of public workers without pay. If Congress moves quickly, the longest Government shutdown in recent history could end before Thanksgiving.