November.11.2025
US Senate Passes Funding Bill as Historic Shutdown Nears Likely End
The U.S. Senate voted on November 10, 2025 to approve a stopgap funding package aimed at reopening much of the federal government and ending what has become the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. 0
Quick takeaway
What the bill contains
The stopgap package approved by the Senate bundles a short-term continuing resolution with three full-year appropriations measures — covering the Agriculture Department (including SNAP food aid), the Legislative Branch, and military construction and veterans’ programs — while extending broad government funding at current levels through about January 30, 2026. 2
- Short-term funding through late January 2026 to avoid immediate layoffs and service interruptions. 3
- Back pay provisions for federal employees who went without pay during the shutdown. 4
- Protections against mass firings or workforce reductions until the new funding period ends. 5
Politics and reactions
The vote exposed fractures within both parties. A small group of Senate Democrats broke with their leadership to join Republicans in advancing the bill, arguing the shutdown had done too much harm to services and families. Some Democrats criticized the package for not addressing expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies and for leaving larger policy fights unresolved. 6
In the House, Republican leaders signaled they would move quickly to consider the Senate bill, while the White House expressed support — but final passage requires the House vote and the president’s signature to become law. 7
Who is affected — and how soon will services resume?
If the House approves the Senate package and the president signs it, most federal agencies would receive funding and many paused services — from SNAP food assistance to certain regulatory functions and legislative operations — would be restored. However, administrative restart timelines vary by agency; some services and payroll processes may take days to resume fully. 8
Why this matters
The shutdown disrupted critical services, delayed pay for hundreds of thousands of federal employees, and created uncertainty for millions relying on federal benefits. The Senate’s vote marks a major step toward stability — though the political debate over health subsidies, spending levels and long-term funding remains unresolved. 9
Next steps
- House consideration: The bill heads to the Republican-controlled House for a vote; leaders have signaled a rapid timetable. 10
- If passed by the House, the president would sign it into law — officially ending the shutdown for agencies covered by the measure. 11
- Longer-term negotiations will continue over ACA subsidies and the remaining appropriations that the stopgap does not resolve. 12
What to watch
- Whether the House passes the Senate bill and how quickly the president signs it. 13
- Follow-up votes or measures to restore expiring health subsidies affecting millions of Americans. 14
- How agencies implement back pay and rehiring protections in the days after funding is restored. 15
