US Senate takes 1st step towards ending government shutdown

The bill received exactly the 60 votes needed to advance in the Senate, with almost all Republicans voting in favour along with eight Democrats.

The deal would include a reversal of President Trump’s order to fire Federal employees and provisions to prevent any such measure in the future.

The measure would also fund some parts of the government, including food aid and the legislative branch, for 2026. However, no guarantee has been offered to extend the expiring healthcare subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), global newswires reported.

If the Senate eventually passes the amended bill, the package still needs to be approved by the House of Representatives and sent to President Donald Trump for signature, and that could take several days.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune endorsed the deal and called the immediate vote to begin the process of approving it as the shutdown that began on October 1 continued to disrupt flights nationwide, threaten food assistance for millions and leave Federal workers without salaries.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (DS)