Senate Democrats Join GOP in Vote to Reopen Government After 40-Day Shutdown
By Space Coast Daily // November 9, 2025
U.S. Senate Holds Rare Sunday Session as Shutdown Enters Day 40
WASHINGTON, DC — After 40 days of stalemate, the Senate moved closer to ending the federal government shutdown on Sunday as eight Democrats broke ranks to support a Republican-led proposal to temporarily fund the government through late January.
The crossover votes provided enough momentum to advance a revised continuing resolution that would reopen federal agencies until January 30, 2026. The measure also includes a package of three bipartisan spending bills and guarantees back pay for furloughed workers.
Democrats had previously refused to back any funding bill without a deal to extend expiring Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, but that demand was dropped in the latest compromise. The only concession secured by Democratic negotiators was a promise from Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R–S.D.) to hold a vote on the subsidies before mid-December.
Among those voting with Republicans were Sens. Angus King (I–Maine), John Fetterman (D–Pa.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D–Nev.), Jeanne Shaheen (D–N.H.), Maggie Hassan (D–N.H.), Jacky Rosen (D–Nev.), Tim Kaine (D–Va.), and Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D–Ill.).
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D–N.Y.) denounced the compromise, saying it failed to address what he called a “devastating healthcare crisis.” Progressive lawmakers, including Sen. Bernie Sanders (I–Vt.), also criticized the decision, warning it would embolden the Trump administration.
Republican leaders, meanwhile, expressed optimism that the plan would pave the way for a final resolution. “We can’t stay stuck in this endless cycle of shutdown politics,” Thune said, reaffirming his commitment to allow a healthcare vote next month.
The bill still faces hurdles in both chambers, as the House must approve the Senate’s revisions before the measure can reach President Donald Trump’s desk. Even with Sunday’s progress, lawmakers cautioned that procedural steps could delay the reopening for several more days.
