The United States Senate has advanced a crucial funding package aimed at ending the longest government shutdown in recent history. Our argument This continuing resolution is a win in stopping mass federal firings. It reverses for cause dismissals that occurred during the shutdown, providing relief to thousands of these federal employees. It’s all in service of making sure government runs without interruption through at least January 2026.
The resolution specifically calls for back pay for federal workers who have endured periods of economic distress from weeks of zero-paycheck days. It prevents any more staff cuts through the end of January. This decision gives workers the confidence to return to work without the threat of future layoffs hanging over their heads.
Former President Donald Trump is all in favor of the deal. He says he intends to follow its provisions, including bringing back federal employees who were given termination letters. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson has summoned members back to DC for a vote. He added that getting the deal passed rapidly is essential so the agreement can get to the president’s desk.
It provides increased assurance that government agencies can operate smoothly at the present level for the next three years. Among other provisions, it particularly protects programs inside the Department of Veterans Affairs, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It neglects to mention the importance of healthcare premium tax credits provided under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Unfortunately, these critical credits are slated to expire at the end of this year. If Congress fails to extend these key tax credits, millions of Americans will face a drastic spike in healthcare premiums. Or even worse, they might lose their marketplace coverage altogether.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune pledged a vote on ACA subsidies this fall. At the same time, Democrats are waging a battle royal to convince party leaders to make an extension of these vital financial supports permanent. Senator Tammy Baldwin, who has been the most outspoken lawmaker calling for these extensions to be longer, slammed the final deal.
“A handshake deal with my Republican colleagues to reopen the government and no guarantee to actually lower costs is simply not good enough,” – Tammy Baldwin
The procedural vote was able to pass, despite nearly unanimous Democratic opposition, passing with a 60-40 vote. Seven Democrats and one independent crossed party lines with all Republicans in moving the compromise deal forward. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) was one of the most vocal advocates for the need for this agreement.
“This was the only deal on the table,” – Senator Jeanne Shaheen
Critics argue that the failure to extend ACA tax credits undermines the stability of healthcare coverage for those who depend on it. The lack of healthcare subsidy jeopardizes the health of underserved communities. That caveat has enormous policy implications, and it’s stoking new and renewed fights over reform on Capitol Hill.
Speaker Johnson’s commitment to a thoughtful process speaks to the seriousness of the issues at play in any potential deal.
“We’re going to do in the House what we always do and that is a deliberative process,” – [Speaker Johnson’s statement]
Even with hurdles on the horizon, Trump’s support has potential to energize Republican momentum that would lead to fast-tracked approval from both houses of Congress. His past statements and actions suggest that he would be eager to go fast to break any legislative logjams.
“We’re going to be opening up our country very quickly,” – Donald Trump
Congress is already poised for more negotiations to come. Their priorities need to be ensuring that federal operations and services are stabilized and that big issues like healthcare subsidies, which affect millions of Americans, are addressed. The months ahead will be crucial as lawmakers defend against these urgent waves made all the more difficult by a contentious political environment.