Senate Votes to Advance Compromise Ending Government Shutdown

The U.S. Senate voted on November 6, 2025, to advance a bipartisan compromise aimed at ending the ongoing government shutdown. The vote, which concluded with a margin of 60-40, came after a group of moderate Democrats agreed to move forward without guaranteeing an extension of health care subsidies. This decision has sparked significant discontent among many Democratic lawmakers, who believe it undermines the ongoing fight for health care affordability.

This legislative agreement includes provisions to fund the government and a commitment to a mid-December vote on extending tax credits associated with the Affordable Care Act, which are set to expire on January 1, 2026. It also ensures that federal workers, who have faced pay disruptions since the shutdown began on October 1, will receive back pay once the situation resolves.

Chuck Schumer, the Senate Democratic leader from New York, opposed the motion to advance the package, aligning with most of his Democratic colleagues. Many in the party feel that compromising on health care subsidies diminishes their ability to advocate effectively for Americans relying on these essential benefits.

Three former governors—Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan from New Hampshire, along with Angus King, an Independent from Maine—played crucial roles in breaking the six-week stalemate. Their agreement to support the advancement of the compromise also includes a restoration of federal workers who received layoff notices since the shutdown began and guarantees that they will be compensated for lost wages.

Following the Senate’s decision, Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed his support for the agreement, emphasizing the urgency of ending the shutdown. President Donald Trump, returning from a football game on the same day, hinted at potential resolution, stating, “It looks like we’re getting close to the shutdown ending,” although he did not explicitly endorse the Senate’s compromise.

In a reflective meeting that lasted over two hours, Senate Democrats debated the implications of the proposal. Bernie Sanders of Vermont criticized the lack of commitment to health care, labeling it a “horrific mistake.” Senator Chris Murphy also voiced his concerns, arguing that the recent elections indicated a strong desire for Democrats to stand firm on health care issues.

The compromise has been met with skepticism from progressives. Greg Casar, the chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, condemned the agreement as a betrayal of millions of Americans counting on Democrats to advocate for affordable health care. He described the lack of definitive commitments from Republicans as a capitulation rather than a compromise.

The road ahead remains uncertain, particularly regarding the proposed health care subsidies. House Speaker Mike Johnson from Louisiana has not committed to bringing the issue to a vote in the House, leading to further questions about the potential for bipartisan support. Some Republicans have expressed a willingness to extend COVID-19-era tax credits, citing concerns over rising premiums affecting millions. Yet, they insist on new limits regarding who qualifies for the subsidies.

The effects of the shutdown have already begun to ripple through the economy, with reports of over 7,000 flight delays attributed to the ongoing crisis. Treasury Secretary Sean Duffy warned that air travel could be severely impacted heading into the Thanksgiving holiday if the government remains closed.

As the Senate moves closer to finalizing the legislation, the political landscape is fraught with challenges. Democrats continue to advocate for health care reforms while navigating the complexities of bipartisan negotiations. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the fate of both the government funding and the health care subsidies, with significant implications for millions of Americans.