US Senate Passes Spending Bill to End Long Shutdown

By Manisha Sahu | America News World | Updated: November 10, 2025

In a significant step toward ending the longest government shutdown in U.S. congressional history, the U.S. Senate on Sunday passed a crucial spending bill aimed at reopening federal operations and restoring stability across the nation. The bill, introduced by Senate Republicans, secured a 60–40 vote, with support from eight Democrats, marking a rare moment of bipartisan cooperation amid weeks of political gridlock.

However, while the measure has been hailed as a breakthrough, it leaves unresolved one of the most contentious issues dividing the two parties — the future of healthcare subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for approval before it can reach President Donald Trump for his signature.


—

A Step Toward Ending the Shutdown

The current shutdown, which began on October 1, has paralyzed key government operations for nearly six weeks, affecting federal employees, disrupting air travel, and straining essential services. According to officials, it has also cost the U.S. economy billions of dollars in lost productivity and delayed contracts.

Speaking after the vote, Senate Majority Leader Mike Johnson (R-La.) described the passage of the bill as a “moment of progress,” acknowledging that while compromises had to be made, reopening the government was the “first and most urgent priority.”

> “This legislation is not perfect, but it is a necessary step to restore government services and get our federal workforce back on their feet,” Johnson said during a press briefing at the Capitol.



The Senate’s approval signals a possible end to a period of deep political and economic uncertainty. Still, with the House expected to debate the bill later this week, questions remain over whether hardline conservatives or progressive Democrats will hold up final passage.


—

What’s Included in the Spending Bill

The spending package is designed to fund the government through January 30, 2026, buying lawmakers more time to negotiate longer-term fiscal agreements. It also includes three full-year appropriations bills drafted by the Senate Appropriations Committee, covering a range of federal departments and programs.

Here are the key highlights of the legislation:


—

1. Reversal of Federal Worker Firings

One of the most notable provisions of the bill is the reversal of mass firings that took place earlier in the shutdown. The Trump administration had dismissed thousands of federal workers who were unable to report for work without pay since early October. The new legislation reinstates these workers and guarantees full back pay for the period of the shutdown.

This clause is seen as a major relief for public sector employees, including members of the military, air traffic controllers, and Border Patrol agents, whose absence severely disrupted essential operations.

According to the Associated Press, the inclusion of this measure was a key demand from moderate senators on both sides who pushed to prioritize worker welfare amid the prolonged crisis.


—

2. A December Vote on Healthcare Subsidies

The most contentious issue remains the Affordable Care Act subsidies, which help lower-income Americans afford private health insurance. The ACA’s tax credits are set to expire at the end of 2025, and Democrats have been demanding an immediate extension.

The Republican-led Senate, however, opted not to include a direct extension in the bill. Instead, they promised to hold a separate vote in December to decide the fate of the healthcare program.

This compromise has left many Democrats dissatisfied. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) voted against the bill, accusing Republicans of “holding American healthcare hostage for political leverage.”

> “The American people want stability, not uncertainty. They want to know that their healthcare won’t vanish at the turn of the year,” Schumer said in a floor speech following the vote.



Republicans, meanwhile, argue that the delay allows for “comprehensive fiscal analysis” before committing to another multi-billion-dollar subsidy extension.


—

3. Back Pay for All Federal Employees

The bill ensures that all federal employees affected by the shutdown will receive back pay once the government reopens. This includes staff across civilian agencies, the armed forces, and law enforcement departments.

The move comes after widespread public outrage over unpaid federal workers and reports of families struggling to make mortgage payments or buy groceries during the shutdown.

In an internal memo to federal departments, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) confirmed that payment processing would begin “immediately upon enactment” of the legislation.


—

4. Bipartisan Appropriations for Key Programs

The spending package also includes bipartisan funding agreements for vital public programs. Among the areas receiving appropriations are veterans’ services, food assistance programs, agricultural development, and the legislative branch.

Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.), chair of the Appropriations Committee, emphasized the importance of cooperation in crafting these bills.

> “These bipartisan measures are proof that we can still work across the aisle to deliver for the American people,” Murray said. “They will keep food on the table, ensure veterans receive their care, and maintain government transparency.”




—

Political Reactions and What Comes Next

While Sunday’s vote represents progress, the path ahead remains uncertain. The bill must now pass in the Republican-controlled House, where some conservative members have expressed dissatisfaction with the concessions made to Democrats.

On the other hand, progressive Democrats in both chambers have signaled reluctance to support the measure without a firm commitment on healthcare subsidies.

Analysts believe that President Donald Trump is likely to sign the bill if it reaches his desk, given that it reflects much of the GOP’s fiscal agenda. However, the administration has yet to issue an official statement.

Political observers also note that the December vote on the Affordable Care Act could reignite partisan tensions and potentially set the stage for another budget standoff early next year.


—

Economic and Social Impact

The shutdown’s economic toll has been severe. With hundreds of thousands of federal employees furloughed and key services suspended, analysts estimate a daily loss of over $1.5 billion to the U.S. economy. Air travel disruptions, delayed food assistance, and backlogged immigration processing have further compounded public frustration.

As the Senate bill moves closer to final passage, hopes are rising that the reopening of government offices will restore normalcy. Still, experts warn that recurring budget crises are eroding public confidence in Washington’s ability to govern effectively.

Economist Lisa Greenfield of the Brookings Institution noted, “Short-term spending deals offer relief but not resolution. Until Congress reaches a durable, bipartisan budget framework, the U.S. will remain vulnerable to repeated shutdown threats.”


—

Conclusion

The Senate’s passage of the spending bill offers a glimmer of hope after weeks of political brinkmanship. By reinstating federal workers, providing back pay, and setting a timeline for future debates on healthcare, the measure lays the groundwork for reopening the U.S. government and stabilizing essential services.

However, with key policy disagreements unresolved — particularly over healthcare funding — the coming weeks will test the strength of bipartisan cooperation in a deeply divided Congress.

For now, millions of Americans await the House’s decision, hoping that this long and painful shutdown will finally come to an end.


—

(c) 2025 America News World | Reported by Manisha Sahu


—

Would you like me to format this article with SEO elements — such as a meta description, slug, and keyword suggestions — for your website?