The U.S. Senate took a significant step toward ending the historic federal government shutdown on Sunday night, when eight Democratic senators joined Republicans to advance a bipartisan funding measure.
While the procedural vote marks major progress, several steps remain before the government can fully reopen. Lawmakers and congressional leaders from both parties are expressing cautious optimism that an agreement will be finalized this week.
Next Steps in the Senate
The Senate must now reach an agreement on how long to debate the funding measure before holding a final vote. That timing could vary, depending on whether senators push for amendment votes or seek to delay consideration.
Sen. Rand Paul (R-Kentucky), who opposed advancing the measure, has requested a vote on an amendment related to hemp grown in his state. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-South Dakota) said it “remains to be seen” how soon final passage will occur, though he hopes to see a vote early this week.
The funding package would keep the federal government open through January 30 and provide full-year funding for select agencies through the remainder of fiscal year 2026. Notably, the plan ensures continued funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) even if another short-term lapse occurs.
Attention Shifts to the House
Once the Senate approves the measure, the legislation will move to the House of Representatives, where its path forward is less certain.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) praised the Senate for moving the bill forward and urged members of both parties to return to Washington quickly, signaling his intention to bring the measure to the floor soon after Senate passage. Johnson has indicated he will provide 36 hours’ notice before scheduling a House vote.
He also expressed confidence that “at least some Democrats” would support the package, echoing the message that Republicans, President Trump, and “millions of hard-working American people” have sought for weeks.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-New York) has pushed back on the compromise, arguing that it falls short of Democratic priorities on health care. However, Democratic sources suggest that some members may still vote with Republicans to ensure the government reopens.
What’s in the Funding Bill
The package combines a short-term continuing resolution through January 30 with three full-year appropriations bills covering military construction and veterans affairs, the legislative branch, and the Department of Agriculture.
Key provisions include:
- $203.5 million in new funding to strengthen security and protection for members of Congress.
- $852 million for the U.S. Capitol Police.
- Retroactive pay for all federal employees affected by the shutdown.
The legislation does not include a guarantee to extend enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies, which have been central to recent negotiations. Instead, lawmakers agreed to hold a future Senate vote on that issue.
Behind the scenes, several Senate Democrats who supported the deal cited President Trump’s increasing opposition to the subsidy extension as a driving factor in reaching a compromise to end the shutdown.
Why It Matters for Counties
A prolonged federal government shutdown has ripple effects across all levels of government — including counties, which rely on consistent federal funding and program operations to serve residents. Many county-administered or county-supported services depend on federal appropriations, such as:
- Human services and nutrition programs: Continued funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) ensures food assistance remains available for vulnerable populations, reducing the burden on local food banks and county social service agencies.
- Infrastructure and capital projects: Federal delays can stall reimbursement payments or grant awards tied to transportation, broadband, and water infrastructure initiatives.
- Public safety and emergency services: County emergency management, law enforcement, and veterans programs often coordinate with federal partners whose operations can be disrupted during shutdowns.
- Workforce and administrative stability: Many counties host federal offices or employ residents affected by federal furloughs, influencing local economies and tax bases.
Restoring government operations allows intergovernmental collaboration to resume, ensures stability for federally funded programs, and provides counties with greater predictability as they plan budgets and deliver essential services to their communities.