Historic Government Shutdown Nears End as Senate Prepares Decisive Vote This Week

Washington braces for resolution as the longest federal shutdown in U.S. history teeters on collapse. The Senate’s pending vote could finally unlock paralyzed agencies—but not before leaving taxpayers footing the bill for political theater.

After 35 days of shuttered services and unpaid workers, both parties claim victory while Main Street picks up the tab. A classic case of ‘crisis governance’ where the only certainty is volatility.

Markets yawn as Bitcoin quietly outperforms the S&P 500 during the debacle—because nothing screams ‘store of value’ like watching bureaucrats burn dollars in real time.

TLDR

• The U.S. Senate approved a bill on Monday night with a 60-40 vote to end the 41-day government shutdown, the longest in American history
• The bill funds the government until January 30, 2026, and provides back pay for federal workers including air traffic controllers
• President Trump endorsed the measure and House Speaker Mike Johnson said he believes he has enough votes to pass it in the House
• Thousands of flights were cancelled Monday and Tuesday due to air traffic controller shortages caused by the shutdown
• The House could begin voting on the bill as soon as Wednesday to end the shutdown

The U.S. Senate voted 60-40 on Monday night to approve a bill that WOULD end the longest government shutdown in American history. The measure now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration this week.

BREAKING: U.S. Senate has officially passed the continuing resolution to end the shutdown, sending it to the House of Representatives for a final vote to re-open the government. pic.twitter.com/3oqHrBdiiN

— America (@america) November 11, 2025

The bill provides government funding through January 30, 2026. It also includes back pay for federal workers who missed paychecks during the 41-day shutdown.

President TRUMP backed the measure Monday afternoon. He told reporters that Democrats provided enough support to move forward.

🚨 BREAKING: The US Senate has officially PASSED the CR to end the Democrat Shutdown — sending the bill back to the House

The House is expected to vote on it Wednesday night, and then send it to President Trump’s desk

Then, the government will finally reopen. pic.twitter.com/Gds6Tl6ufl

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) November 11, 2025

House Speaker Mike Johnson said he thinks he has the votes to pass the bill in his chamber. The House has not been in session since mid-September.

Johnson told colleagues Monday they need to return to Capitol Hill immediately. House consideration could begin as soon as Wednesday.

The shutdown caused widespread disruptions across the country. Major airports cancelled thousands of flights Monday and Tuesday due to air traffic controller shortages.

Economic Impact of the Shutdown

President Trump criticized air traffic controllers who took time off while missing paychecks. He wrote that controllers who don’t return immediately will be substantially docked.

The bill includes provisions to limit Trump’s ability to fire federal workers for the next few months. It also funds some federal programs like Agriculture and Veterans Affairs departments for the entire year.

Eight Democratic senators agreed to back the Republican bill after a test vote Sunday evening. The final approval came after negotiations between both parties.

The agreement includes a promise from Senate Majority Leader John Thune to hold a separate healthcare vote before year end. Democratic negotiators say they will have control over what goes into that healthcare bill.

Food Benefits Remain Uncertain

Senator Bernie Sanders called the lack of an immediate healthcare vote a horrific mistake. The delayed vote drew condemnation from many on the left.

Food benefits remain in limbo this week. The Trump administration directed states to undo their efforts to issue Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits over the weekend.

Transportation Safety Administration officials faced similar shortages as air traffic controllers. These shortages created safety concerns at airports nationwide.

House Republicans hold a majority in their chamber and have signaled they will approve the bill. The bill will then need President Trump’s signature to become law.

Once signed, federal workers will receive back pay for the shutdown period. Government services will resume normal operations after 41 days of disruption.