Senate approves funding package to end historic govt shutdown
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The US Senate passes a funding bill to end the longest government shutdown in history, with final approval pending in the House of Representatives.
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The US Capitol is photographed on 37th day of the government shutdown on November 6, 2025 in Washington. (AP)
The US Senate has approved a package of bills aimed at ending the longest government shutdown in the country’s history, following a key procedural vote held Sunday evening.
The funding package was approved by a 60-40 vote, the exact threshold needed to advance the legislation in the upper chamber of Congress.
The legislation allocates funding for the 2026 fiscal year to key federal agencies and programs, including:
The operations of Congress and its support services
The Department of Agriculture, including food assistance under SNAP
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Veterans’ programs and benefits
Pentagon construction projects
Other government operations will be maintained through a continuing resolution, extending funding until January 30, 2026.
Crucially, the package includes provisions to halt the mass layoffs of federal employees that began on October 1 due to the funding lapse.
The bipartisan agreement was reached after at least eight centrist Senate Democrats struck a compromise with Republican leaders and the White House. In exchange for supporting the funding bill, Democrats secured a commitment for a future vote on extending enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies.
Following Senate approval, the legislation will head to the House of Representatives for final passage before being sent to President Donald Trump for his signature.
