End of the Government Shutdown: Senate Gives the Green Light, House Vote to Follow

The Senate has approved the long-awaited funding package that will end the government shutdown, after eight Democrats voted in favor of the bill. The legislation now goes to the House of Representatives for approval, with the goal of keeping the government open at least until January 30, when a new round of budget negotiations is expected.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (Republican, South Dakota) emphasized that the final version includes three full-year funding bills for several federal agencies and programs that will not be affected by the next budget cycle in January. The bill also reinstates federal employees who were furloughed during the shutdown and guarantees back pay.

In exchange for Democratic support, Republicans have pledged to hold a vote by mid-December to extend the enhanced Obamacare tax credits, a key Democratic demand.

House Speaker Mike Johnson stated that he expects the bill to pass and reach Donald Trump’s desk for signature as early as tomorrow.

The Senate has already held a series of votes to reopen the government, with the first resulting in a 60-to-40 vote in favor.

Final passage of the bill is expected within the day, after a key procedural hurdle was cleared Sunday night with bipartisan support.

According to Politico, passage as early as Monday is possible if leaders secure unanimous consent to speed up the process. This depends on senators agreeing to forgo some debate time. Senator Rand Paul has demanded the removal of the hemp-related clause and wants a “guarantee” that the amendment will be adopted.

Bill Details:

• The main component is a continuing resolution to fund the government through January 30, 2026.
• Reinstates furloughed employees, ensuring full back pay.
• Includes three full-year appropriations bills — funding for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the legislative branch, agriculture, and the FDA.
• Extends the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through the end of fiscal 2026.
• Does not extend temporary Obamacare tax credits, but Democrats secured a promise for a separate vote after the government reopens.

In the House, Speaker Mike Johnson has confirmed that he has the votes needed to pass the temporary measure by Wednesday, after which the bill will be sent to President Trump for signature, officially ending the shutdown.

Republican leadership in Congress plans to give 36 hours’ advance notice before the vote.

Senior Senate Republicans are coordinating closely with their House colleagues, though hardline Republicans and some Democrats are expected to oppose certain provisions of the bill.

Nevertheless, according to Politico, several centrist Democrats — including Jared Golden, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, and Henry Cuellar — are inclined to support the proposal to ensure the restoration of government operations.