Senators Agree on Compromise to End Government Shutdown

On Nov. 10, the Senate voted 60-40 to pass an amended version of H.R.5371 that replaces the House-passed continuing resolution with new language to re-open the government. Sens. Dick Durbin (D-IL), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), John Fetterman (D-PA) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV), plus Sen. Angus King (I-ME), joined Republicans in support. The vote comes almost 24 hours after a deal was reached in the Senate to break the weeks long stalemate. 

The new terms maintain funding for most federal agencies at current levels through Jan. 30, 2026. The measure further provides fiscal year (FY) 26 appropriations for the Agriculture, Military Construction–Veterans Affairs and Legislative Branch accounts through Sept. 30, 2026. In addition, the bill fully funds Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, prohibits the Trump administration from issuing Reduction in Force (RIF) notices until Jan. 30, 2026, and reverses any RIFs that agencies have implemented since Oct. 1. The deal also requires that federal employees furloughed during the shutdown receive backpay and guarantees a Senate vote on extending expiring Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies sometime in December.

The amended stop gap bill now goes back to the House for re-consideration. Based on initial responses, it appears that the vast majority of House Democrats, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), oppose the Senate’s spending agreement because it fails to extend the ACA credits. “I don’t think that the House Democratic Caucus is prepared to support a promise, a wind and a prayer, from folks who have been devastating the health care of the American people for years,” Minority Leader Jeffries said in a Nov. 9 statement.

This reaction from House Democrats comes days after House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) said he will not promise an ACA vote as part of a shutdown deal. Notably, before the Senate passed the shutdown-ending deal, Senate Republicans rejected an amendment proposed by Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) that would have extended ACA subsidies for one year.

The House is expected to take first votes on the Senate amendment to H.R.5371 on Nov. 12 at 4 p.m. However, air travel delays and cancellations occurring around the United States could make it difficult. Given House Democrats are expected to vote against the Senate-backed deal, Republicans can only afford to lose two votes if all members are present.

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