The U.S. Senate voted Monday, 60 to 40, to end the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history. Now it’s up to the House of Representatives to put an end to the contentious 41-day work stoppage.
Seven Democratic senators and one independent voted with Republicans to reach a deal to fund the government through January.
The House has been on recess since mid-September. Members are expected to return to Washington quickly to vote on the legislation. Democrats were hoping to force Republicans to extend health care tax credits that expire Jan. 1. That debate remains unresolved.
The shutdown has caused national chaos for many. Food programs were interrupted and travel delays have been widespread with the holiday season fast approaching.
The bill reinstates federal workers laid off during the shutdown. It will also compensate those employees for lost wages.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) had pressured lawmakers to end the shutdown as quickly as possible. Some Democrats expressed frustration with colleagues who crossed party lines to work with Republicans.
“While your healthcare costs are going up: Donald Trump and Republicans are preoccupied with ballrooms, private jets, and bailouts for Argentina. Those are the priorities of the Republican party,” Sen. Chuck Schumer posted on social media Monday.
Schumer, the top-ranking Democrat in the Senate, didn’t vote to end the shutdown.
New Jersey Sen. Chris Murphy posted video online warning of a “coming health care disaster” due to rising premiums Monday morning.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez counts herself among a Democratic minority in the House that isn’t thrilled with the current bill.
“Working people want leaders whose word means something,” she posted on Instagram Monday.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and California Gov. Gavin Newsom — two Democrats often talked about as possible 2028 presidential candidates — also criticized the bill.
“This is not a deal — it’s an empty promise,” Pritzker said in a Monday night statement.
Newsom posted on social media that “America deserves better” than the bill that was passed.
Pennsylvania Senators John Fetterman and Dave McCormick defended their decision to work together Monday despite representing different parties.
“In this situation we both agree that shutting our government down is wrong for our commonwealth and for our nation and I refuse to shut our government down,” Fetterman, a Democrat, told constituents.
With News Wire Services
