US Senate Approves Bipartisan Deal to End Government Shutdown

Mon Nov 10 2025 11:05:09 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a significant move, the US Senate has passed a deal aimed at breaking the prolonged government shutdown, with both parties contributing to the breakthrough after weeks of negotiations.

After 40 days of deadlock, the US Senate has passed a bipartisan deal to address the government shutdown, with hopes of restoring federal operations. The measure, supported by a minority of Democrats alongside Republicans, sets the stage for further legislative processes, including a critical House vote. The deal promises to ensure federal pay during the shutdown and extends vital food assistance programs, though it faces potential challenges ahead.

A deal aimed at ending the US government shutdown has passed the Senate, paving the way for the record-breaking impasse to be broken.

After a weekend of negotiations in Washington, a minority of Democrats joined with Republicans and voted in favour of an agreement.

The vote is a procedural first step towards passing a compromise to fund the government since it ran out of money on October 1.

It will need to clear several more hurdles - including a vote from the House of Representatives - before federal employees and services return, but it is the first serious sign of progress after 40 days of deadlock.

The current shutdown is the longest on record in the US, affecting many government services and leaving around 1.4 million federal employees on unpaid leave or working without pay.

The agreement was negotiated between Senate Majority Leader John Thune and the White House, with support from Democratic senators from New Hampshire and Maine.

Republicans needed the measure to clear a 60-vote minimum threshold, achieving this with eight Democratic votes contrary to just one dissent from Senator Rand Paul.

The deal features a vote in December on healthcare subsidies critical to many, which was a key point for Democrats. Criticism remains, however, as some lawmakers express concerns about the healthcare provisions negotiated.

Also included are plans to fund agencies and a continuing resolution until January 30, indicating the possibility of further shutdowns in the near future. All federal workers will receive pay for the duration of the shutdown, along with funding for essential food assistance.