U.S. Senate Reaches Bipartisan Deal to End Historic Government Shutdown

The United States Senate has approved a bipartisan agreement to reopen the federal government, ending the longest shutdown in American history, which lasted 40 days. The closure had halted numerous services and delayed pay for thousands of federal employees.

Lawmakers voted late Sunday to advance a critical funding package after weeks of political gridlock, responding to growing public pressure as the effects of the shutdown intensified. The deal provides funding for several key government departments through the next fiscal year and includes a temporary measure to keep other agencies operational until a later deadline.

The legislation ensures back pay for all affected federal workers and restores funding for nutrition assistance programs, provisions that were crucial in securing enough votes for passage.

However, some issues remain unresolved. The agreement does not extend certain health care subsidies, a priority for many Democrats, highlighting ongoing political divisions. While the deal delivers immediate relief, it underscores the fragile nature of compromise in a deeply divided government.