Senate Passes Stopgap to End Partial U.S. Shutdown as House Returns for Imminent Vote

Overview

• House members reconvened after a 53-day recess with a Wednesday vote expected, and passage remains uncertain in the narrowly divided chamber.
• The Senate approved the package 60–40, with eight Democrats joining Republicans and Sen. Rand Paul the lone GOP vote against it.
• The bill funds agriculture, military projects and Congress through the end of fiscal 2026, with most other government spending extended only to January 30, 2026.
• Provisions include guaranteed SNAP benefits through September 30, 2026, back pay for federal employees, rehiring of furloughed workers and a temporary block on new layoffs until late January.
• The measure omits an extension of health-insurance subsidies, prompting Democratic pushback, as Majority Leader John Thune pledged a December vote and President Donald Trump said he would sign the bill if it reaches his desk.