Moderate Senate Democrats on Sunday evening voted to end the government shutdown, bringing a close to their party’s 40-day standoff—with little to show for it.
Eight Democratic senators broke ranks to back a deal that reverses layoffs linked to the funding halt, keeps the government open through the end of January, promises a vote on tax credits under the Affordable Care Act, and provides funding for several federal agencies.
Democratic negotiators acknowledged that talks had hit a dead end. In the end, fatigue and frustration outweighed anger and concern over President Trump’s stance. “It wasn’t working,” said Senator Angus King of Maine, who had tried to broker a compromise. Republicans, he said, made it clear they would not discuss tax credits until after the shutdown. “It’s been six weeks. After 40 long days I hope we can finally bring this shutdown to an end,” said Senate Majority Leader John Thune.
Democrats had previously vowed not to lift the blockade until tax credits under the Affordable Care Act were extended for 22 million people. As recently as Friday, they were ready to end the shutdown in exchange for a one-year extension of the program. But the final deal offers only a vote, with no guarantee of passage. Senator Bernie Sanders called the promise “an empty gesture” and said he was confident the House of Representatives would not support it.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer insisted Democrats had secured progress on health care. He voted against the agreement, as did all Senate Democrats facing reelection in 2026. “The cost of medical care had a major impact on the 2025 elections, and it will weigh even more heavily in 2026,” he said. The rest of the leadership team also opposed the deal, with the exception of the retiring Dick Durbin. The stance contrasts with Democrats’ decision in March to support a temporary funding bill, which provoked an outcry in party circles.
The breakthrough owed much to three former governors—Angus King, Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan—who kept informal talks alive. Another decisive factor was the White House’s pledge to reinstate laid-off federal workers. The agreement was finalized on Sunday afternoon after a week of consultations between centrist Democrats, Republican intermediaries and the Senate majority leadership.
The legislation had been expected sooner, but Democrats’ sweeping victories in Tuesday’s midterms emboldened them, drawing out the negotiations. Drafting delays further slowed completion of the bill.
Now federal employees will be paid, food assistance programs will resume, and flight schedules will return to normal—just in time for Thanksgiving.
The immediate crisis has been resolved, but the deep political rifts in the United States remain.