U.S. Senate Reaches Historic Deal, Government Set to Reopen After 40 Days of Shutdown

After a record 40-day shutdown, the U.S. government is preparing to resume operations as the Senate reaches a crucial bipartisan agreement to extend funding through January 30, 2026.

According to CNN, this deal marks a major breakthrough in ending the stalemate and paves the way for new negotiations between the two parties on spending and social welfare policies.

Key Highlights:

• Government funding extended until January 30, 2026, ending the longest shutdown in U.S. history.

• Reinstatement of thousands of federal employees who were laid off during the shutdown, with provisions to prevent similar situations in the future.

• Food stamp programs (SNAP) secured through the end of the 2026 fiscal year.

• Commitment to hold a vote on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies in December – a long-standing point of contention between the parties.

• All federal employees will receive full back pay for the shutdown period.

The agreement was reached thanks to bipartisan negotiations involving Senators Jeanne Shaheen, Angus King, Maggie Hassan along with Senate Majority Leader John Thune and the White House.

Following the announcement, President Donald Trump stated that “the government shutdown seems to be coming to an end,” signaling hope for a new period of stability after over a month of political and financial turmoil.

With this deal, the U.S. moves closer to restoring federal government operations, opening the door to bridging the political divide that has long challenged the two parties.