The US Government Shutdown may end soon after the Senate passed a bipartisan bill funding agencies through January 2026.
TheInterviewTimes.com |Washington, D.C. – November 11, 2025 — The United States inched closer to ending the longest US Government Shutdown in its history after the Senate approved a bipartisan continuing resolution (CR) on Monday night in a 60–40 vote. The measure now moves to the Republican-controlled House for final approval.
The 41-day shutdown, which began on October 1, 2025, has crippled government operations and cost the economy billions. President Donald Trump has already signalled that he will sign the bill immediately upon its arrival at the White House.
US Government Shutdown: Key Points
- The US Government Shutdown reached its 41st day before Senate passage of a bipartisan bill.
- The resolution funds the government through January 30, 2026, maintaining 2025 budget levels.
- Around 2 million federal employees will receive full back pay once the measure is enacted.
- The deal includes a commitment for a December vote on Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies.
- The shutdown’s economic toll has reached $48 billion, surpassing the 2018–2019 record.
Key Provisions of the Senate-Passed Bill
The compromise package, crafted by Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and a bipartisan group of moderates, extends government funding at current fiscal-year 2025 levels until January 30, 2026. It provides full-year appropriations for key areas including:
- Agriculture, Rural Development, and the FDA (including SNAP benefits)
- Military Construction and Veterans Affairs
- Legislative Branch operations
The bill also includes:
- Immediate reinstatement of all federal employees laid off since October 1
- Guaranteed back pay for 800,000 furloughed workers and 1.2 million essential staff
- A freeze on new layoffs until January 30, 2026
- A Senate-only commitment to vote by December 18 on legislation extending ACA premium tax-credit enhancements
US Government Shutdown: House Action Expected Within 48 Hours
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has called members back to Washington, with the House expected to vote on the measure under suspension of rules as early as Wednesday, November 12.
Republican leaders are optimistic the bill will pass with strong GOP support and limited Democratic backing. Progressive lawmakers, however, criticized the ACA clause as “an empty promise” since the House is not obligated to take up the measure.
.@POTUS: "It looks like we're getting close to the shutdown ending. You'll know very soon." pic.twitter.com/Qp2qR1DeaF
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) November 10, 2025
How the Breakthrough Happened
The standoff had centered on Democratic demands for a permanent ACA subsidy extension in exchange for temporary funding. After six failed cloture votes, public frustration grew as SNAP delays affected 42 million Americans, flight cancellations increased due to air traffic controller shortages, and TSA staff threatened walkouts ahead of Thanksgiving.
Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Mark Warner (D-VA), and Tim Kaine (D-VA) were among eight Democratic moderates who crossed party lines following mounting pressure from constituents.
“This isn’t about politics anymore; it’s about grocery shelves going empty and veterans wondering if their hospitals will stay open,” Shaheen said during the floor debate.
US Government Shutdown Clock Still Ticking
As of Tuesday, November 11 (2:02 AM EST), the US Government Shutdown remains partially in effect. National parks, passport offices, and civilian defence operations are still closed.
If the House approves the bill on Wednesday and President Trump signs it Thursday, government functions could resume by Friday, November 14, with most employees returning to work the following Monday.
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Economic Toll Surpasses Previous Record
According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the ongoing US Government Shutdown has already cost the economy $48 billion in lost output, surpassing the $11 billion impact of the 2018–2019 shutdown during Trump’s first term.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated Monday night, “The President is ready to sign this bill the moment it hits his desk and get America back to work before Thanksgiving.”
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A Temporary Truce Before the Next Budget Battle
While the bill offers short-term relief, lawmakers on both sides caution that the agreement merely pauses deeper disputes over fiscal-year 2026 appropriations and healthcare funding.
With the January 30, 2026 deadline looming, Congress faces renewed pressure to avoid another shutdown early next year.
For now, millions of federal workers, contractors, and families await the House’s next move—hoping that the 41-day US Government Shutdown will finally end this week.