Understanding the Government Shutdown Deal
On November 9, 2025, after 40 consecutive days of closure—the longest government shutdown in U.S. history—the U.S. Senate voted 60 to 40 to advance legislation designed to reopen federal agencies and resume critical services. This procedural vote marked the first step toward ending a fiscal impasse that left approximately 42 million Americans without food assistance benefits, federal workers without paychecks, and air traffic systems operating below capacity. For more coverage on federal workforce impacts and policy responses, explore Trump administration policy updates and political developments. For official legislative documentation, see the U.S. Senate and Congress.gov resources.
40 Days: The Longest Shutdown Ends—But Not Yet
A bipartisan Senate agreement advances, setting the stage for government reopening through late January 2026.
What the Deal Includes
The Senate-advanced package is structured as a short-term continuing resolution with provisions for full-year appropriations on select measures. The following elements are included based on the deal framework and member statements:
Government Funding
Funding expected through late January 2026 for most federal agencies via a continuing resolution. Three appropriations bills (Military Construction–Veterans Affairs, Agriculture–Food and Drug Administration, and Legislative Branch) are expected to receive full-year funding through September 30, 2026.
SNAP Benefits
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will receive full-year funding through September 30, 2026, ensuring approximately 42 million Americans maintain access to food assistance. See USDA Food and Nutrition Service for current benefit details.
Back Pay for Federal Workers
Federal employees furloughed during the shutdown are guaranteed back pay under the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019. This law mandates retroactive pay as soon as possible after appropriations lapse end, regardless of scheduled pay dates.
Protection Against Layoffs
Language in the agreement reverses any reductions in force (RIFs) that occurred during the shutdown and provides protections against additional RIFs through the end of fiscal year 2026. This addresses concerns from senators representing large federal workforces.
Healthcare Vote Pledge
While not included in the legislative text, the deal includes a Republican commitment to hold a Senate vote on extending Affordable Care Act premium tax credits by the second week of December. Democrats will draft the bill language. The vote is not binding.
Air Traffic & Aviation
Once enacted, air traffic controllers and TSA staff resume regular paychecks. System recovery will occur gradually as the FAA manages existing staffing shortages and operational challenges. Learn more at Federal Aviation Administration.
Timeline: The Path to a Deal
The shutdown began when Congress failed to enact a funding bill by October 1, 2025. The House passed H.R. 5371 on September 19, but the Senate did not advance it until the November 9 cloture vote. Here’s how the impasse unfolded:
The Senate Vote: Who Backed the Deal
On November 9, 2025, at approximately 9:50 p.m. ET, the Senate voted 60-40 to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R. 5371. This procedural vote was the first critical step toward reopening the government. The Senate website maintains the official vote record.
The following eight Democrats and one Independent crossed party lines or aligned with the deal:
Who Opposed: Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) voted no, as did many other Senate Democrats who remained committed to securing healthcare subsidies before reopening. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) also opposed the deal.
What Lawmakers Said
What Happens Next: The Remaining Steps
The November 9 Senate vote was procedural—it allowed debate to proceed and set the stage for passage. However, several steps remain before the government fully reopens:
Important Context & Caveats
Healthcare Subsidies: No Guarantee
The deal provides a Senate vote on extending ACA premium tax credits, but Republicans are not required to support it. If credits expire on January 1, 2026, health insurance premiums on ACA marketplaces could increase significantly. Over 20 million Americans use these subsidies.
Democratic Party Divided
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer opposed the deal, as did many other Senate Democrats. House Democrats have also indicated opposition. This reflects deep disagreement over the shutdown strategy within the party.
Back Pay: How It Works
The Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019 mandates back pay for furloughed federal workers. “Excepted” workers (those required to work without pay) also receive back pay for hours worked. Payment occurs as soon as possible after shutdown ends.
Legislative Process Verification
The exact funding dates and bill composition will be confirmed when the Senate posts its amendment text to H.R. 5371. Until that text is filed and published on Congress.gov, specific funding end dates remain pending.
SNAP Funding Path
Full SNAP funding through September 2026 depends on the Agriculture–Food and Drug Administration appropriations bill being included. If included as expected, the approximately 42 million SNAP recipients will maintain benefits. See USDA Food and Nutrition Service for program details.
Air Travel Recovery Timeline
Once the shutdown ends, air traffic controllers and TSA staff resume regular operations. However, the FAA faces structural staffing shortages that predate the shutdown. System capacity will recover gradually as operations normalize.
Official Sources & Further Reading
For official documentation, government statements, and legislative records, refer to these first-hand sources:
Senate Procedural Records
U.S. Senate Official Website – Vote records, member statements
Legislative Text
H.R. 5371 (Congress.gov) – Full text as passed by the House
SNAP & Food Assistance
USDA Food and Nutrition Service – Current SNAP guidance and updates
Federal Workforce Guidance
Office of Personnel Management (OPM) – Furlough and back pay procedures
Healthcare Subsidies
HHS ASPE – Affordable Care Act subsidy analysis
Aviation & Air Traffic
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) – Air traffic updates and status
Back Pay Law
Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019 – Statutory text on back pay
Vote Record & History
Senate Roll Call Vote 119-1-00610 – Official vote record
Closing Summary
After 40 days—the longest government shutdown in U.S. history—a bipartisan group of nine senators (eight Democrats and one Independent) reached an agreement with Senate Republican leadership and the White House on November 9, 2025. The Senate voted 60-40 to advance the package. The deal provides for government funding into late January 2026, full-year funding for select appropriations bills, full SNAP benefits through September 2026 if the Agriculture bill is included as expected, back pay for furloughed federal workers under the 2019 statutory framework, reversal of workforce reductions enacted during the shutdown, and protections against additional RIFs through fiscal year 2026. A Republican commitment to hold a December vote on extending Affordable Care Act premium tax credits—drafted by Democrats—is included as an informal agreement but is not binding legislation. The bill still requires Senate passage, House approval, and a presidential signature before the government resumes normal operations. For related policy coverage, see CruxBuzz politics coverage and Trump administration updates.
