Historic U.S. Federal Government Shutdown Ends; Longest in History

Ultimately, a group of U.S. Democratic and Republican senators reached a deal to reopen the government after the historic 40-day shutdown.

According to Rokna, citing National Public Radio (NPR), the agreement provides government funding until January 30 and includes annual funding for three appropriations bills, including full funding for nutrition assistance programs through September 30, 2026, or the end of the fiscal year.

The U.S. Senate voted to end the longest government shutdown in American history with a majority of 60 to 40. Additionally, seven Democratic senators and one independent senator joined the Republican majority to advance the measure.

NPR reported that this marks the first—but crucial—step for the bill’s passage in the Senate. Once the legislation secures the 60 votes required to overcome procedural hurdles, any remaining votes in the Senate will require only a simple majority. However, the legislative process also requires the U.S. House of Representatives to approve the law before the government shutdown ends so that federal employees, including air traffic controllers, can receive pay and federal aid programs, such as nutrition assistance, can resume.

Earlier, Democratic senators had voted against more than 12 short-term funding proposals to preserve healthcare subsidies; however, facing ongoing difficulties from the government shutdown, some agreed to the latest framework with certain modifications.