WASHINGTON (AP) — Speaker Mike Johnson called for House lawmakers to return to Washington “right now,” after a group of Senate Democrats ended a 40-day stalemate late Sunday by voting with Republicans to advance legislation that would end the government shutdown. The Senate voted 60-40 to consider a compromise bill to fund the government, though a final vote has not yet been scheduled.
“The nightmare is finally coming to an end,” Johnson declared during a Monday press conference. He emphasized the urgency, stating, “We have to do this as quickly as possible.” The House has been out of session since mid-September, when it last passed a funding bill.
The breakthrough came after weeks of negotiations. Moderate Senate Democrats ultimately agreed to reopen the government without a guaranteed extension of health care subsidies—an issue that has divided their caucus for over six weeks. Many Democrats had insisted on new negotiations over Affordable Care Act tax credits set to expire on January 1.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) promised a mid-December vote on the subsidies but provided no guarantee of passage. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) joined most of his caucus in voting against the package. “We will not give up the fight,” Schumer said, emphasizing that Democrats had “sounded the alarm” on health care.
The shutdown’s end remains uncertain, as any individual senator may still delay proceedings. Thune acknowledged ongoing concerns within the Republican conference about details of the spending bills. Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, for example, threatened to object to a provision championed by fellow Kentuckian Sen. Mitch McConnell regarding hemp-based products. “We’ll revisit that tomorrow after we have more clarity on where things stand,” Thune told reporters.
President Donald Trump has not indicated whether he will sign the measure, but told reporters Sunday at the White House, “It looks like we’re getting close to the shutdown ending.”
**Key Votes and Details of the Deal**
A critical breakthrough came when three former governors—Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), and Independent Angus King (I-Maine)—broke ranks Sunday evening to support advancing three annual bipartisan spending bills and extending government funding until late January. In exchange, they secured a December vote on extending health care tax credits.
The agreement also includes reversing mass firings of federal workers conducted by the Trump administration since the shutdown began on October 1 and assures back pay for affected employees. Thune quickly endorsed the deal, moving for a prompt vote amid ongoing disruptions nationwide: flights canceled, food assistance in jeopardy for millions, and federal workers unpaid.
“The time to act is now,” Thune said.
Other Democrats who voted to advance the agreement included Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), whose state is home to tens of thousands of federal workers, as well as Sens. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.). Despite expectations that more Democrats would support the deal—10 to 12 had been involved in negotiations—only five shifted their votes, providing just enough support for passage.
**Bipartisan Agreement Details**
For weeks, Democrats voted repeatedly against reopening the government, insisting on the extension of Affordable Care Act tax credits to keep coverage affordable. Republicans refused to negotiate on health care, but quietly worked with moderate Democrats to find a broader agreement.
The resulting package includes bipartisan bills from the Senate Appropriations Committee to fund food aid, veterans’ programs, the legislative branch, and more. Most other funding is extended through January, allowing Congress over two months to pass additional spending bills.
The deal reinstates federal workers laid off during the shutdown, reimburses states that stepped in to keep federal programs running, and guarantees federal employees will be paid once the shutdown ends.
**Pushback from Democrats**
Some Democratic leaders remained opposed. Schumer, after two hours meeting with his caucus, said he couldn’t “in good faith” support the deal. Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) called it a “horrific mistake,” while Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) argued the party should “hold firm,” referencing recent electoral victories.
House Democrats were also critical. Rep. Greg Casar (D-Texas), chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, called the lack of new health care cost reductions a “betrayal” and said, “Accepting nothing but a pinky promise from Republicans isn’t a compromise—it’s capitulation.” Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.) posted, “If people believe this is a ‘deal,’ I have a bridge to sell you.”
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries blamed Republicans. “Donald Trump and the Republican Party own the toxic mess they have created in our country, and the American people know it,” Jeffries said.
**Health Care Debate Continues**
It remains to be seen whether both parties can compromise on health care subsidies ahead of the promised Senate vote in December. Johnson, the House Speaker, has not committed to bringing the measure up in his chamber. On Monday, he reiterated Republicans’ desire to reform what he calls the “unaffordable care act,” without committing to a vote on subsidies.
Some Republicans are open to extending the COVID-19-era tax credits, as premiums could surge for millions, but want new restrictions on eligibility. Others, including Trump, have renewed calls to overhaul or scrap the Affordable Care Act altogether.
**Shutdown Effects Intensify**
The shutdown’s impact has worsened. U.S. airlines canceled more than 2,000 flights on Sunday—the first time since the shutdown began—and over 7,000 flights were delayed, according to FlightAware. Treasury Secretary Sean Duffy warned that air travel ahead of Thanksgiving could be “reduced to a trickle” if the government doesn’t reopen.
Meanwhile, food aid was delayed for tens of millions as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits became entangled in shutdown-related legal battles. In Washington, D.C., the Capital Area Food Bank reported providing eight million more meals than planned—a nearly 20% increase—due to the rising need among unpaid federal workers.
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