WASHINGTON (AP) — A legislative package to end the government shutdown appeared to be on track Monday after a handful of Senate Democrats joined with Republicans to break the impasse in a deepening disruption of federal programs and services, the longest in history.
The contents and consequences of the bipartisan agreement have been met with sturdy criticism and leave few senators completely satisfied. The bill provides funding to reopen the government, including for SNAP food assistance and other programs, while ensuring back pay for furloughed federal workers that the Trump administration had left in doubt.
But what’s notably missing is a clear solution to the expiring health care subsidies Democrats have fought for, while millions of Americans face rising insurance premiums. That debate has been postponed for a vote next month, weeks before the subsidies expire.
President Donald Trump acknowledged the deal as he arrived at the White House after watching the Washington Commanders’ game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday night, the 40th day of the funding expiration. “It looks like we are nearing the end of the shutdown,” he said.
The Senate could complete its passage as early as Monday. The bill cleared a procedural hurdle behind schedule Sunday, 60-40, with eight Democrats joining most Republicans. In a uncommon dissent, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York voted against it because it failed to fully address health care funds.
Next it would go to the House of Representatives, where lawmakers have been absent since September but have been told to prepare to return to Washington this week. Then it goes to Trump’s desk for signature.
Here’s a look at the deal as it makes its way through Congress:
Funding to reopen the government, for now
This includes funds to keep much of the federal government running with an emergency solution over the next few months, until January 30th. It largely funds government operations at current rates.
But in a breakthrough for a more normal appropriations process, the package also includes several bills to fully fund other government operations, including agricultural programs and military construction and veterans affairs, for the entire fiscal year through September 2026.
Additionally, the package ensures that states will be reimbursed for the money they spent to keep the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC) running during the shutdown.
Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, chairwoman of the Budget Committee, said she was “relieved.”
“This shutdown has taken far too long,” she said. “And I also think it’s extremely significant that three years of appropriations bills are attached to us. Veterans Day is coming up soon and it would be wonderful if we signed the Veterans Affairs bill into law for the entire year.”
Health care financing remains up for debate
Democrats failed to push through their main demand during the lockdown, namely an expansion of health care subsidies that many of the 24 million people who get insurance through the Affordable Care Act rely on to cover costs.
Instead, the package guarantees a vote on the issue in December — which wasn’t enough for most Democrats, who rejected the deal and voted against it.
“The American people want us to stand up and fight for health care,” said Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass.
Federal employees receive a reprieve
The package aims to roll back some of the Trump administration’s shutdown-related impacts on the federal workforce. Employees have been repeatedly threatened with layoffs and mass layoffs this year.
The stopgap measure is intended to reinstate federal employees who have received staff reductions or layoffs, provide notice, and protect against such future actions.
It would also allow for back pay for federal employees who were furloughed or worked without pay during the shutdown – something traditionally provided but threatened by the Trump administration and not guaranteed.
Bring the bill to the President’s desk
Political and procedural hurdles remain as the Republican-controlled Congress struggles through more votes and the shutdown entered its 41st day on Monday.
Senators are hoping to skip a series of steps that could delay the vote all week as dissenters wage a prolonged battle.
One Republican, Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, voted against the package’s proposal on Sunday and was said to have concerns about a provision for the hemp industry. And three ultra-conservative Republican senators delayed the vote for more than two hours because they demanded consideration of their ideas. It is unclear whether any of them are planning further protests.
Democrats, who have been fighting to preserve the health care grants for a month, could also delay final passage, and their next steps are uncertain.
And the package will face renewed scrutiny once it reaches the House of Representatives, where Louisiana Speaker Mike Johnson has a narrow GOP majority and would likely need the support of nearly all Republicans for the bill given objections from Democrats who support the health care funds.
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York said the party would fight the bill and force House Republicans to pass it largely on their own.
“We will not support any spending bill proposed by Senate Republicans that does not extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits,” Jeffries said. “Donald Trump and the Republican Party own the toxic mess they have created.”
