The U.S. Senate on Sunday appeared close to advancing a measure to reopen the federal government as a 40-day shutdown continues to sideline workers, disrupt food aid and strain the nation’s air travel system.
Senators expected to vote late Sunday on beginning debate on a House-passed bill that would be amended to pair a short-term funding measure — keeping the government open through January 2026 — with three full-year appropriations bills.
At least eight Democrats are expected to support the procedural vote, enough to move it through the Republican-controlled chamber, according to a Reuters report.
If approved, the amended package would still need to pass the House of Representatives before heading to President Donald Trump for his signature, a process that could take several days.
Under an agreement with a group of Democrats, Republicans would also allow a December vote on extending Affordable Care Act subsidies, a key Democratic demand during the funding standoff.
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The measure would reverse some of the administration’s mass layoffs of federal workers carried out during the shutdown and provide a full year of funding for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.
The deal was brokered by Democratic Sens. Maggie Hassan and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, and Sen. Angus King of Maine, an independent who caucuses with Democrats. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said he would vote against the bill.
Sunday marked the 40th day of the shutdown, which has closed federal facilities, affected national parks, delayed food-aid disbursements and worsened air traffic control staffing shortages ahead of the busy Thanksgiving travel period.
Sen. Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican, said the mounting disruptions have pushed lawmakers toward agreement.
“Temperatures cool, the atmospheric pressure increases outside, and all of a sudden it looks like things will come together,” Tillis said.
White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett warned in a television interview that a prolonged shutdown could push fourth-quarter economic growth into negative territory, especially if air travel does not normalise by Thanksgiving on Nov. 27.
