Is the U.S. Government Shutdown Finally Ending?

After weeks of political gridlock that disrupted everything from airport travel to social services, the U.S. Senate has taken a major step toward reopening the federal government.

On Sunday night, seven Democrats and one Independent joined Republicans to advance a funding bill that would keep the government running until January 30 and fully fund several key agencies through fiscal year 2026. The plan includes continued support for SNAP food assistance, a crucial program that helps millions of low-income Americans buy groceries.

Senators must now agree on debate timing before a final vote, which could be delayed by individual demands. Once it clears the Senate, the measure will head to the House of Representatives, where political tensions remain high. Democrats argue the bill doesn’t go far enough to strengthen health care funding, while some Republicans oppose the overall spending increases.

If passed in both chambers, the bill will go to President Donald Trump for his signature.

This would end the 41-day U.S. government shutdown, which has grounded thousands of flights, left air traffic controllers unpaid, and put nearly 42 million Americans relying on food stamps worrying about monthly allowances.