The US Senate on Monday approved a funding bill to end the 41-day government shutdown, paving the way for federal agencies to resume operations and employees to return to work. 
The measure now moves to the House of Representatives for final approval before being sent to President Donald Trump for his signature.
The bipartisan legislation extends government funding through January 2026 and restores pay for thousands of furloughed federal workers affected by the prolonged shutdown, the longest in US history.
The Senate voted 60&ndash;40 in favour of the bill, after eight Democrats crossed party lines to advance the measure. 
The agreement followed intense negotiations over the weekend, with both sides compromising on key fiscal priorities.
As part of the deal, Republicans agreed to hold a separate vote by mid-December on extending health care tax benefits, a major demand by Democrats. 
However, the concession drew criticism from some in the Democratic base who argued that the healthcare issue should have been addressed within the funding bill itself.
&ldquo;The American people have now awoken to Trump&rsquo;s health care crisis,&rdquo; Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said before voting against the bill. 
&ldquo;Democrats demanded that we find a way to fix this crisis and quickly, but Republicans have refused to move an inch. So, I cannot support the Republican bill that&rsquo;s on the floor because it fails to do anything of substance to fix America&rsquo;s healthcare crisis,&rdquo; he added.
House Speaker Mike Johnson has called lawmakers back to Washington for a possible vote later this week. 
Senate Republican leaders expressed confidence that President Trump will promptly sign the measure once it reaches his desk, formally ending the shutdown.
The shutdown had crippled federal services, delayed payments, disrupted air travel, and caused significant economic strain nationwide, affecting millions of Americans.

US Senate chamber during crucial funding vote

US Senate votes to end record 41-day shutdown; bill moves to House for approval

Senate passes Bill To Reopen Government

US Senate votes to end record 41-day shutdown; bill moves to House for approval

November 11, 2025 | 16:31 IST