Senators Strike Deal to End Record U.S. Government Shutdown

Bipartisan Breakthrough Ends 40-Day Deadlock

After 40 tense days of stalled operations, U.S. senators from both parties have reached a bipartisan U.S. government shutdown deal to reopen the federal government.
The deal, announced on November 9, 2025, is a temporary measure that funds the government through January. It follows weeks of heated debate over health care subsidies, food benefits, and federal employee firings.

President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters at the White House after returning from his Mar-a-Lago resort, said:

“It looks like we’re getting close to the shutdown ending.”

The continuing resolution (CR) now heads to the Senate for a procedural vote before moving to the House of Representatives for final approval.

Key Features of the Shutdown Deal

The agreement focuses on immediate relief for millions affected by the shutdown.
Here are the main points:

• Restores SNAP funding: The Bill restarts the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which supports over 42 million low-income Americans.
• Reinstates federal workers: Thousands of government employees fired in the past month will get their jobs back and receive full back pay.
• Health care subsidy vote: Lawmakers will vote on extending Affordable Care Act premium tax credits, which were set to expire this year.

Senator Tim Kaine called the deal a step forward, stating:

“This agreement guarantees a vote to extend Affordable Care Act premium tax credits, which Republicans had resisted.”

Division Among Democrats

Despite progress, not everyone supports the compromise.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the plan for not immediately extending health care subsidies:

“I cannot in good faith support this CR that fails to address the health care crisis,” Schumer said. “This fight will and must continue.”

Some progressive senators argue that the deal favors short-term fixes over lasting reforms, warning that it could trigger another funding crisis in early 2026.

Impact on Federal Workers and the Economy

The shutdown, which lasted a record 40 days, led to furloughs, unpaid leave, and delays in essential services.
Airports faced security staff shortages, national parks closed, and small business loans were frozen.

Restoring normal operations is expected to boost consumer confidence and stabilize federal services. Economists say the reopening could recover billions in lost productivity, though full recovery may take months.

What Happens Next

Once the Senate passes the bill, it moves to the Republican-led House.
If approved, President Trump is expected to sign it immediately, officially ending the shutdown.

While this deal marks a major political truce, lawmakers still face tough negotiations in January to craft a long-term funding plan that avoids another standoff.

Summary

The U.S. government shutdown deal is a significant step toward stability.
It delivers short-term relief for federal workers, restores food aid, and ensures a crucial vote on health care subsidies.
Yet, deep divisions over policy priorities show that the broader fight over America’s spending and welfare future is far from over.