The US Senate has reached a crucial step towards reopening the government, with eight Democrats joining Republicans on a key vote to advance a federal funding measure. This development leaves party leaders hopeful that lawmakers will end the historic shutdown this week.
However, there are still several steps ahead, including agreeing on debate timing and voting on the final bill. Senator Rand Paul’s proposed amendment related to hemp grown in Kentucky may cause delays or hold up the process.
The Senate Majority Leader believes the government will reopen early this week if the package passes. The final bill would fund the government until January 30 and continue key federal food assistance programs, including SNAP, even in the event of another shutdown.
Once passed by the Senate, the package heads to the House, where Speaker Mike Johnson is expected to face challenges from his own party due to disagreements on healthcare provisions. Despite this, some Democrats may support the bill.
The funding measure includes a larger funding package and stopgap measures, as well as an increase in security funding for Congress and US Capitol Police. However, it does not include a guarantee to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies, which remains a sticking point.
A compromise was reached after President Trump’s increasing opposition to extending the subsidies led Senate Democrats to change their position and accept a deal that ended the indefinite shutdown. The agreement also includes a promise to reverse federal firings during the shutdown and ensure all federal workers receive pay for the missed period.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/11/10/politics/reopen-federal-government-next-steps