US Senate Advances Bill to End Longest Government Shutdown, Restore Federal Worker Pay

The U.S. Senate moved to end the longest federal shutdown with a 60–40 procedural vote to advance a bipartisan funding package.

“To stream 13News Now on your phone, you need the 13News Now app”

13newsnow

This package restores pay and protections for federal workers and re-opens shuttered services.

13newsnow

Multiple outlets detail a cross-party coalition supporting the measure.

NBC News describes it as “a 60-40 Senate vote” on a minibus plus a stopgap through January 30.

UPI notes that “seven Democrats and one independent” joined Republicans in the vote.

The BBC lists names such as Dick Durbin and Tim Kaine among those breaking the deadlock.

Samaa TV characterizes the coalition as “Eight Democrats and one Independent” crossing the aisle.

The shutdown’s duration is reported differently by various sources.

Some outlets report 40 days (Arise News), others say 41 (Scripps News), and one projects 43 days once enacted (Coinfomania).

Multiple sources say the deal merges a short-term continuing resolution with three full-year appropriations.

NBC News reports a “minibus” covering Agriculture through next fiscal year plus a continuing resolution through January 30, with SNAP fully funded through next September and attempted layoffs reversed.

2 News Nevada

Mathrubhumi English adds the bill includes three full-year appropriations bills, prohibits federal agencies from firing employees until January 30, and guarantees back pay.

NPR highlights that it would keep the government open through January 30, 2024, while funding SNAP through the end of fiscal year 2026.

NOTUS says the continuing resolution would fund the government through January 30, 2026, and includes a provision to reverse federal layoffs.

NBC4 Washington specifies full-year funding for agriculture, military construction, and veterans’ affairs through September 2026 and reimbursement to states for SNAP and WIC during the shutdown, while protecting workers with reinstatement and guaranteed back pay.

Healthcare is the core political fault line.

“A short-term government funding bill aimed at reopening the government and extending funding through January 31, including SNAP and Veterans Affairs funding for the full fiscal year, is set for a Senate vote Sunday evening”

abcnews.go

Al Jazeera reports the bill does not guarantee an extension of expiring Affordable Care Act (ACA) healthcare subsidies, instead scheduling a December vote.

NBC News echoes that the deal does not extend expiring ACA subsidies and only promises a Senate vote with uncertain prospects, and no guarantee the House will act.

CNN adds the White House backs reopening but that House Speaker Mike Johnson and President Trump oppose continuing ACA subsidies.

ABCNews.go notes Trump proposed redirecting Obamacare subsidies to individuals’ Health Savings Accounts.

Mathrubhumi English and Newsweek stress Democrats secured a December vote on ACA tax credits even as leaders like Chuck Schumer opposed the package for lacking immediate guarantees.

The shutdown’s toll is broad and affects many sectors.

Scripps News reports widespread disruptions, including thousands of flight cancellations and delays.

AL

CNN details controller staffing shortages and flight delays, raising safety concerns about proposed $10,000 bonuses and threats during the closure.

UPI highlights airport delays and threats to food assistance programs like SNAP, underscoring the stakes for basic benefits.

Economic estimates of the shutdown’s cost vary significantly.

Equiti cites an estimated $15 billion weekly loss and reduced GDP growth.

Vocal.media estimates total costs over $7 billion, reflecting different methodologies and timelines for accounting the damage.

Next steps are uncertain, especially in the House.

“Eight Democrats join Republicans in vote toward ending the longest government shutdown in US history”

Al Jazeera

Scripps News says House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries vowed to oppose the bill, and Speaker Mike Johnson’s stance is unclear.

Al Jazeera

Time Magazine adds that House Democrats have pledged to reject the bill.

NBC News notes there is no guarantee the House will act on ACA subsidies even if the Senate votes.

AL reports the measure now moves to the House where resistance is expected.

Coinfomania uniquely claims the Republican-controlled House has already approved the bill, highlighting a sharp information gap that may reflect timing or conflicting reporting.

Overall tone ranges from cautious—NBC News and AL—to optimistic signals like New York Post’s assertion the government is on track to reopen later this week.