The federal government shutdown, in place for well over a month, seems to ending soon.
Monday night, US Senators voted 60-40 for what’s called a continuing resolution that will fund full government operations through January, along with some agencies — US Departments of Agriculture and Veterans Affairs — through the rest of the federal fiscal year ending in September 2026. Eight Democrats joined almost all Republicans in the Senate to end the shutdown, going into its 41st day Tuesday — the longest pause in government operations in US history.
The US House will take up the bill Wednesday and may pass the bill that afternoon or evening. President Trump’s approval and signature would be the next step if the bill passes the House.
The main topic for Democrats in Congress has been healthcare, with Democrats demanding a restoration of Affordable Care Act subsidies before the resistance broke. Republican Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas says both House and Senate are working to reduce healthcare costs to residents.
Marshall says there should be a Republican bill up for consideration by next month. A key focal point will be fraud.
Marshall says he was glad Democrats “finally came to their senses” when it came to reopening government. Fellow Republican Senator Jerry Moran says Congress still has work ahead, urging his fellow lawmakers to pass several remaining appropriations bills before the concurrent resolution expires — if it’s passed — so another shutdown isn’t possible. Second District Congressman Derek Schmidt hasn’t yet issued a statement.
