Senate reaches bipartisan agreement to end government shutdown now in its 41st day

Government Shutdown Resolution - The Senate is taking initial steps to end a government shutdown that has lasted over 40 days [1] - Eight Senate Democrats joined Republicans to pass a funding bill, reaching the 60-vote threshold [2] - The shutdown could end within the next few days or the next week [3] Funding and Programs - The agreement funds parts of the government, including SNAP, agriculture, and veterans programs, for the rest of the 2026 fiscal year [3] - It continues funding for the rest of the government until January 30th [3] - The agreement reverses attempted firings of federal employees during the shutdown and ensures back pay for all federal employees [4] Healthcare Tax Credits - Democrats have been promised a vote on extending healthcare tax credits by the second week of December [4] - Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and others are dissatisfied that the shutdown may end without a concrete deal on healthcare tax credits [5] Potential Obstacles - Senator Ran Paul has concerns with the bill and could potentially delay the process [7] - Any single senator could potentially hold things up [8] - The House has been given a 36-hour window to be called back to pass the Senate agreement [8]