The longest government shutdown in U.S. history appears to be nearing its end, after senators suddenly advanced a funding deal over the weekend after 40 days of little progress.
The legislation passed the Senate on Monday, now heads to the House before going to President Donald Trump's desk. In the meantime, pain continues to grow for Americans on everything from food assistance to air travel.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune speaks to reporters outside the Senate Chamber after the Senate passed legislation to reopen the government on November 10, 2025 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.
Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
Nov 10, 2025, 10:27 PM EST
House could vote on government funding bill as early as Wednesday
The House is officially returning to Washington, D.C., on Wednesday and will hold its first votes as early as 4:00 p.m. ET to reopen the government, according to a notice from GOP Whip Tom Emmer.
There are several steps House lawmakers will need to take before getting to final passage. Multiple vote series are expected on Wednesday evening.
Emmer tells lawmakers to "stay tuned" for updates on more precise timing for votes.
-ABC News' Lauren Peller
Nov 10, 2025, 9:29 PM EST
Senate passes government funding bill
The Senate on Monday passed a measure that will fund the government through Jan. 30 and fund some agencies like the Department of Agriculture and Veterans Affairs for the remainder of the fiscal year.
The bill narrowly passed by a 60-40 vote. Eight Democrats voted for the bill: Sens. Tim Kaine, Dick Durbin, Maggie Hassan, Jeanne Shaheen, Jacky Rosen, Catherine Cortez Masto, John Fetterman and Angus King. Sen. Rand Paul was the only Republican to vote against the bill.
The bill now goes to the House, where Speaker Mike Johnson said Monday a vote could come as early as Wednesday. If passes there, it would go to President Donald Trump for his signature and end the government shutdown, now in its 41st day.
-ABC News’ Allison Pecorin
Nov 10, 2025, 6:34 PM EST
Jeffries says House Democrats considering discharge petition on ACA subsidies extension
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries wouldn’t say if he was disappointed in the eight Senate Democrats who voted with Republicans to advance the Senate funding plan when pressed by ABC’s Jay O’Brien.
“I am focused on the American people,” he said in a gaggle in the Capitol. “This is a real issue. Does anyone not think health care is a real issue for the American people? And we are in the middle of this fight right now.”
“We are focused on trying to deliver what we can deliver and that should include extending the Affordable Care Act subsidies,” he added.
He said he expects all House Democrats to make it back in time for a vote in the House and would not say if leadership is whipping members against the funding bill.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries speaks during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol on November 6, 2025 in Washington, DC.
Eric Lee/Getty Images
When pressed if the shutdown was worthwhile, Jeffries said “at the end of the day the fight lives on.”
Jeffries said House Democrats are considering a discharge petition related to the Obamacare subsidies but declined to provide specifics on the plan.
“Stay tuned,” he said.
This comes as Speaker Mike Johnson refused to commit to holding a vote on the ACA subsidies.
A discharge petition would require 218 signatures to force a vote in the House. There are several House Republicans who have advocated for a one-year extension of the ACA tax credits. It’s unlikely Johnson would support this effort.
