In a breakthrough late Sunday (local time), the US Senate introduced a funding bill after weeks of deadlock between Democrats and Republicans. That was the first step toward ending the 40-day shutdown of the US government – the longest in history.
According to CNN, the Senate voted 60-40 to break a Democratic filibuster on government funding legislation. Before the vote, eight Senate Democrats agreed to a deal that included a later vote on extending health care subsidies — which had been on the table for weeks — as well as assurances that federal workers laid off during the shutdown would be rehired.
Democrats voting yes were: Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, Dick Durbin, John Fetterman, Tim Kaine, Maggie Hassan, Jacky Rosen, Jeanne Shaheen and independent Sen. Angus Kin.
Will the US government shutdown end now?
Despite Sunday’s Senate vote, there is still more to go before the government can reopen. The US government shutdown is not expected to end for more than a month.
Each senator can hold off on the package for a few days, and the House will have to come back and pass the deal reached in the Senate.
The Senate will continue to consider the government reopening bill after Sunday’s breakthrough. It was suspended until Monday 11:00 a.m. (local time),
Meanwhile, House Democratic leadership has alerted members that a vote is expected later this week. Lawmakers will receive 36 hours notice before any votes are called as members navigate flight delays and cancellations during the shutdown.
Agreement before Senate vote
A group of eight Democrats has reached a deal with Senate GOP leaders and the White House to reopen the government in exchange for a future vote on extending expanded subsidies for affordable care.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune approved the deal Sunday night, prompting an immediate vote to begin the approval process.
The US government shutdown turns into chaos
As the vote dragged on, drama ensued on the floor, with four Republicans yet to vote.
One, Senator John Cornyn, was delayed in arriving at the Capitol. The other three, Sens. Rick Scott, Mike Lee and Ron Johnson, came to the floor and immediately pulled Senate Majority Leader John Thune into the conversation, CNN reported.
They reportedly moved on and off the floor, talking to Thune and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crap as Republican appropriators waited in the chamber for a sign of movement.
After handshakes and pats on the back, they finally voted yes. All Johnson said later was that they had “issues” to discuss.
