The U.S. Senate is set to vote on a significant proposal aimed at ending the longest government shutdown in history, which has persisted since October 1, 2023. If approved, the deal would fund the government through January 30, 2026, while also restoring essential food assistance for approximately 42 million Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Senate Republican leadership is tentatively planning a procedural vote later today, but the situation remains fluid. Progressive Democrats may employ parliamentary tactics to prolong the shutdown, even if the deal moves forward. This proposed agreement consists of two main components: a temporary funding measure to keep the government operational until late January and a “minibus” package that aims to permanently fund military, veterans, and Department of Agriculture programs for the remainder of the fiscal year.
Key Features of the Proposal
The “minibus” legislation is particularly crucial as it fully allocates funds for SNAP, which had its funding lapse on November 1. The previous administration utilized a contingency fund to keep the program running temporarily. The House of Representatives had previously passed a stopgap funding measure to last until November 21, but that effort stalled in the Senate due to the 60-vote filibuster rule. The current Senate proposal extends funding to January 30, 2026, necessitating a reassessment by the House.
As it stands, the deal does not address the healthcare stipulations that Democrats have advocated for, such as the extension of enhanced subsidies for the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) has indicated a desire to facilitate a vote on these subsidies in December, although he acknowledged uncertainty regarding the outcome. “Can I guarantee an outcome? No,” Thune stated during an MSNBC interview.
Political Reactions and Implications
Reactions from Democratic leaders reflect concerns about the proposed agreement. Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) expressed strong opposition, stating, “If this is the so-called ‘deal,’ then I will be a no. That’s not a deal. It’s an unconditional surrender that abandons the 24 million Americans whose health care premiums are about to double.” Similarly, Malcolm Kenyatta, Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee, criticized the proposal, emphasizing that any agreement yielding minimal concessions is a mistake.
Additionally, the proposed legislation might incorporate provisions to reinstate federal workers who were permanently laid off during the shutdown, as reported by Axios and Punchbowl News. The current government shutdown has extended for a record-breaking 40 days, prompting intense scrutiny and debate among lawmakers.
Senate Democrats have previously leveraged the filibuster to block a straightforward Republican stopgap measure from the House, aiming to secure concessions on healthcare. As Congress is tasked with funding the government every fiscal year starting on October 1, lawmakers typically navigate this process through a series of appropriations bills. The current deal aims to buy time for the passage of the remaining appropriations, as well.
Should the Senate succeed in overcoming the filibuster, dissenting Democrats may still attempt to introduce procedural delays that could affect the reopening of the government. Historically, Senate Republicans have struggled to garner the necessary 60 votes due to their current majority of 53 seats.
The outcome of today’s vote will be pivotal not only for the immediate funding of government programs but also for the broader political landscape as negotiations continue to unfold in the coming weeks.
