Senate Moves Toward Ending Shutdown as Democrats Split Over Health Care Fight.
The Senate inched toward ending the government shutdown on Sunday after a bloc of moderate Democrats broke ranks to advance a bipartisan funding deal—an unexpected move that immediately triggered backlash within their own party and exposed deep divisions over the future of health care subsidies.
In a 60–40 test vote, senators agreed to begin debate on a compromise package that would fund key parts of the government and schedule a later vote on extending Affordable Care Act tax credits set to expire on January 1.
It was the first procedural hurdle in what could still be a multi-day process, especially if Democrats choose to slow the bill’s passage.
The agreement does not guarantee that the health care subsidies will be renewed—an omission that enraged Democratic leaders who have spent nearly six weeks insisting the subsidies must be protected before reopening the government.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, who led a lengthy closed-door meeting before the vote, rejected the deal outright. “We cannot in good faith support this,” he said, arguing Democrats had “sounded the alarm” and should not abandon leverage.
Still, eight Democrats and Independent Sen. Angus King voted yes, providing the exact number Republicans needed.
The moderates—including Sens. Jeanne Shaheen, Maggie Hassan, Tim Kaine, Dick Durbin, John Fetterman, Catherine Cortez Masto, and Jacky Rosen—said the shutdown’s spiraling effects made inaction untenable.
The agreement would reverse the mass firings of federal employees ordered by the Trump administration since the shutdown began on Oct. 1, ensure workers receive back pay, and extend government funding until late January while fully passing three spending bills covering food aid, veterans programs and the legislative branch.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who immediately called the vote after moderates signaled their support, said, “The time to act is now.” Speaking to reporters after returning to the White House, President Donald Trump said only: “It looks like we’re getting close to the shutdown ending.”
But the path forward remains fraught. The deal stalled momentarily when conservative Republicans—Sens. Mike Lee, Rick Scott and Ron Johnson—held back their votes until speaking directly with Trump. Another Republican, Sen. John Cornyn, flew back from Texas to cast the decisive 60th vote.
On the left, the political cost was immediate. Sen. Bernie Sanders called the concession a “horrific mistake,” while Sen. Chris Murphy argued that voters “overwhelmingly” backed Democrats in last week’s elections to strengthen—not soften—their position.
In the House, Democrats swiftly attacked the compromise. Rep. Greg Casar, who chairs the Congressional Progressive Caucus, called the deal “capitulation,” adding: “Accepting nothing but a pinky promise from Republicans isn’t a compromise.” Minnesota Rep. Angie Craig went further: “If people believe this is a deal, I have a bridge to sell you.”
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries placed blame squarely on Republicans. “Donald Trump and the Republican Party own the toxic mess they created,” he said.
Even if the compromise clears the Senate this week, it remains unclear whether House Speaker Mike Johnson will bring the December health care vote to the floor—a major risk for Democrats who reluctantly allowed the shutdown fight to shift to later negotiations.
Meanwhile, the consequences of the shutdown are rapidly intensifying. Airlines canceled more than 2,000 flights on Sunday, with more than 7,000 delayed.
Treasury Secretary Sean Duffy warned that Thanksgiving travel could be reduced “to a trickle” if the government does not reopen soon. Food assistance delays are growing, and Washington’s Capital Area Food Bank reported an unexpected need for eight million additional meals this year—a 20% increase—as tens of thousands of federal employees remain unpaid.
The Senate’s procedural move brought Washington one step closer to reopening the government. But the political price—particularly the fracture inside the Democratic caucus—may define the next phase of the shutdown battle just as the holiday season begins.
🔥 WARYATV Front-Page Headline Options
Democrats Crack: Senate Makes First Move to End Shutdown as Party Erupts Over Health Care Deal
Shutdown Breakthrough — and a Democratic Civil War
Senate Inches Toward Reopening Government as Schumer Rebels Against His Own Moderates
Deal Without Guarantees: Democrats Furious as Senate Advances Shutdown Package
Revolt in the Ranks: Health Care Fight Splits Democrats in High-Stakes Shutdown Vote
Moderates Defy Party, Give GOP the Votes Needed to Break Shutdown Stalemate
Chaos in Congress: Shutdown Deal Moves Forward, Democratic Unity Falls Apart
Flights Canceled, Food Aid Stalls — Senate Scrambles to End Shutdown Amid Party Meltdown
Five Democrats Flip, Schumer Says No: Washington Edges Toward Shutdown Exit
Senate Breaks Deadlock — But Health Care Fight Set to Explode in December Vote
