The Senate has taken a significant step toward ending the government shutdown, which has been in effect since October 1. On Sunday, a coalition of moderate Democrats agreed to advance legislation without a guaranteed extension of health care subsidies, a decision that has sparked frustration among many party members. In a crucial test vote, the Senate approved a motion to proceed with the compromise funding bill by a vote of 60-40. This vote marks the beginning of a series of procedural steps needed to pass the legislation, which aims to fund the government and set a later vote on extending Affordable Care Act tax credits that are set to expire on January 1.

The agreement reached does not ensure the continuation of health care subsidies, which Democrats have been advocating for over the past six weeks. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York opposed the motion, joining nearly all of his Democratic colleagues in voting against it. The breakthrough came from three former governors: Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan from New Hampshire, and Angus King, an Independent from Maine. They agreed to support the advancement of three bipartisan spending bills and to extend government funding until late January, in exchange for a mid-December vote on health care tax credits.

The deal also includes provisions to reverse mass firings of federal workers initiated by the Trump administration during the shutdown and ensures that federal employees will receive back pay. Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed urgency, stating, "The time to act is now," as the shutdown continues to disrupt air travel and threaten food assistance for millions.

President Donald Trump, returning from a football game, did not explicitly endorse the deal but remarked, "It looks like we’re getting close to the shutdown ending."

In addition to the three senators who broke the stalemate, Democratic Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia also voted in favor of the agreement. Other Democratic senators, including Dick Durbin, John Fetterman, Catherine Cortez Masto, and Jacky Rosen, supported the motion. Initially, moderates anticipated more Democratic votes, as 10 to 12 senators had participated in negotiations. Ultimately, only five Democrats switched their votes, which was the number needed for Republican support.

The vote faced a brief delay as three conservative Republican senators—Mike Lee, Rick Scott, and Ron Johnson—withheld their votes to discuss the matter with Thune. They eventually voted in favor after consulting with Trump. Another Republican, John Cornyn of Texas, returned from Texas to cast the crucial 60th vote.

After a lengthy discussion among Democrats, Schumer stated he could not support the proposal in good faith, emphasizing that the party has raised concerns about health care. He declared, "We will not give up the fight." Independent Senator Bernie Sanders echoed this sentiment, calling the decision to compromise a "horrific mistake."

Democrats have previously voted 14 times against reopening the government, insisting on the extension of tax credits that make health care more affordable. While Republicans have been resistant to negotiate on health care, some GOP leaders have been collaborating with moderates to shape the agreement. The proposed legislation includes bipartisan funding for various government sectors, including food aid and veterans programs, while extending other funding until the end of January.

House Democrats quickly criticized the Senate's actions. Texas Representative Greg Casar, chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, labeled the deal a "betrayal" of Americans relying on Democrats to advocate for health care. He stated, "Accepting nothing but a pinky promise from Republicans isn’t a compromise — it’s capitulation."

The future of health care subsidies remains uncertain as the Senate prepares for a promised vote in December. House Speaker Mike Johnson has not committed to bringing the issue to a vote in the House. Some Republicans are open to extending COVID-19-era tax credits, citing potential premium increases for millions, but they seek new limits on eligibility and prefer that tax dollars be routed through individuals.

As the shutdown continues, its effects are becoming increasingly severe. On Sunday, U.S. airlines canceled over 2,000 flights, marking the first significant disruption since the shutdown began, with more than 7,000 delays reported. Treasury Secretary Sean Duffy warned that air travel could be drastically reduced ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday if the government does not reopen. Additionally, food aid has been delayed for millions due to legal disputes related to the shutdown. The Capital Area Food Bank in Washington, D.C., reported a nearly 20% increase in meal provisions, preparing 8 million more meals than initially planned for the holiday season, as tens of thousands of federal workers remain unpaid.