The federal government will restart operations Thursday morning following the longest shutdown in U.S. history.
The House approved the Senate’s revised continuing resolution (CR) late Wednesday, marking the 45th day of the shutdown that began on October 1. The vote concluded at 222-209, with six Democrats siding with Republicans and two Republicans voting against their party. The legislation maintains most current funding levels until January 30, 2026, while three of the twelve spending bills could extend funding until September 2026.
The White House indicated before the vote that President Trump would sign the measure that evening. Federal workers are expected to resume their duties as usual on Thursday.
A seven-week CR was passed by the House in late September, intended to keep the government functioning at Biden-era funding levels, but only Democratic Rep. Jared Golden of Maine worked with Republicans to push the bill forward. (Golden has since announced he will not seek re-election).
Following the House’s action, it adjourned as the Senate continued discussing the matter.
Discussions in the Senate quickly stalled, with Senate Democrats and Republican Sen. Rand Paul (KY) voting numerous times to hinder consideration of the House-approved CR. Only Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NM), Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA), and Sen. Angus King (I-ME) broke ranks to support a procedural motion that would enable the passage of the bill to end the shutdown.
After 15 votes on Sunday, five Democratic senators changed their stance, leading to the bill’s approval with a 60-40 vote on Monday night.
Even after a month, Republican unity showed no signs of wavering. While Senate Democrats were ready to abandon the agreement at any cost, only the eight senators necessary for the bill’s advancement voted in favor.
Of those eight Republicans voting for it, none are facing re-election in 2026, highlighting the political difficulties that Democrats face if they want to maintain Trump in power.
Democrats received nothing in exchange for their cooperation that wasn’t already available weeks prior.
The potential fallout for Democrats could be significant, extending beyond the typical blame for a government shutdown, with issues like interrupted food stamp payments, payroll delays, and flight cancellations looming large.
The party’s left wing, encouraged by strong critiques from figures like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), had hoped for some sort of concession from Republicans, or at least an opportunity to weaken the Trump administration politically.
In contrast, Republicans appear to be solidifying more than previously anticipated, especially after the Democrats’ recent performance in off-year elections, which had sparked hopes for success in the 2026 midterms for the Democratic Party.
Democrats aimed to bring attention to health care matters and push for an extension of enhanced Obamacare premium subsidies, which were initially set up to aid Americans during the pandemic but are due to end this year.
Republicans, led by Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), asserted that they would not engage with any other issues until the government reopens. Thune remained firm, backed by the Senate Republican Conference.
Under their agreement with Thune, Senate Democrats committed to voting on the subsidy extension, though there’s no assurance that the measure will succeed and it is likely to falter in Congress. Thune had suggested reopening the government earlier than Democrats had proposed.
Currently, the Democratic Party faces internal conflicts regarding its leadership and future direction.
Health care discussions are expected to remain a topic on Capitol Hill as the deadline for enhanced Obamacare subsidies approaches.
However, instead of Democrats taking charge, the Republicans may take center stage—if that’s the route they choose. Any potential extensions or changes to the subsidies could be bundled into a wider Republican health care plan.
Golden, along with Reps. Adam Gray (D-CA), Henry Cuellar (D-TX), Marie Grusenkamp Perez (D-WA), Tom Suozzi (D-NY), and Don Davis (D-NC), voted alongside Republicans to support the bill. Meanwhile, Reps. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Greg Steube (R-FL) opposed it.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries’ (D-NY) struggle to maintain support from moderates in his party signals an uphill battle for him, as many have criticized his leadership during this challenging time.
Schumer, however, faces the toughest political climate, grappling with the aftermath of his commitment to defeat the Republican-led CR steeped in Biden-era spending levels since March.
His approach to the shutdown has met resistance from moderates within the party, who preferred to end the shutdown after about a month and a half. Simultaneously, the more progressive side accuses him of harming the Democratic image by hastily ending the shutdown without securing any victories for Senate Democrats.
As Democrats strive for stronger leadership to resist the Trump administration and regain control of Congress and the White House, it seems increasingly likely that Schumer’s position may be at risk.
With the January 30 deadline approaching, the Democratic Party undoubtedly needs a renewed strategy concerning government funding, though how that will take shape and who will spearhead it remains uncertain.
