WASHINGTON — Just past midnight on Monday, the Republican-led Senate made a significant move by greenlighting a budget package aimed at ending the record shutdown that’s been gripping the nation. Notably, some Democrats contributed vital votes to ensure the measure crossed the finish line.
The final result was 60-40, with eight Democrats siding with nearly the entire Republican group to support the bill.
“What a long and winding road it’s been; we’re literally looking at the longest shutdown ever,” remarked Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R., S.D.). He expressed his relief as he declared, “I’m thrilled to announce that we’re approaching the end of this ordeal.”
Now, this budget proposal heads to the Republican-controlled House for a decisive vote d to happen potentially by Wednesday. President Trump’s backing appears assured, which bodes well for its acceptance by House Republicans soon.
The Senate’s go-ahead surfaced less than 24 hours after an intense procedural vote on Sunday, where the same eight Democratic senators unexpectedly broke ranks with their party, managing to hit that essential 60-vote margin under Senate rules. But this time around, a simple majority was sufficient for final approval.
This budget package ensures federal funding continues until January 30 and also delivers full-year financing for the Agriculture Department, military construction, and the legislative branch. Importantly, it guarantees that federal job cuts initiated during the shutdown by the Trump administration will be rescinded. GOP leaders have also promised a_needed_ vote on extending the Affordable Care Act subsidies by mid-December.
The Democratic senators casting their votes in favor include independents like Sen. Angus King from Maine and others like Jacky Rosen and Catherine Cortez Masto from Nevada, John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan from New Hampshire, Dick Durbin from Illinois, and Tim Kaine from Virginia. Luckily for them, none are facing re-election next year.
On the flip side, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) voiced his dissent towards the measure.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) mentioned during a call with House Republicans his wish to get the bill voted on promptly—ideally by Wednesday. He also encouraged everyone to tee up returns to Capitol Hill, citing potential travel hurdles like canceled or delayed flights due to a lack of air-traffic controllers.
After more than 50 days out of action, the House is finally set to reconvene. Their last vote occurred on September 19.
“We finally see the light at the end of this tunnel—we’re grateful for this-develoment-leaning towards resolution,” Johnson stated in a press conference Monday. “I’ll be calling all House members to rush back to Washington posthaste.”
Later, Trump himself spoke from the Oval Office, saying he “will adhere to the agreement,” even touting it as “very good.”
Even with a 53-47 lead in the Senate, Republicans still required the assistance of Democrats to accumulate the 60 votes for the proposal’s liftoff. The past weekend saw a bipartisan compromise evolve, wherein the senators nominated above cooperated with a deal initially set forth by Thune weeks earlier, which tied in a reassurance toward an ACA subsidies vote. Even with opposition to this arrangement from most Democrats who wished for an assurance on those subsidies, they committed on Monday to persist in advocating for these essential payments.
For further updates, you can reach out to Olivia Beavers at Olivia.Beavers@wsj.com
