The United States Senate has passed a bipartisan deal aimed at ending the historic government shutdown that has paralyzed federal operations for 40 days, offering the first real breakthrough in weeks of political deadlock.

After tense weekend negotiations, a minority of Democrats joined Republicans to approve the funding measure, which is a procedural first step toward reopening the government after it ran out of money on October 1. The agreement must still pass the House of Representatives before federal employees and services can resume operations.

Roughly 1.4 million federal workers have gone without pay or been furloughed since the shutdown began — the longest in U.S. history — disrupting air travel, food safety programs, and benefits for over 40 million low-income Americans.

The compromise was brokered between Senate Majority Leader John Thune and the White House, alongside Democratic Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire and Independent Senator Angus King of Maine. With Republicans holding a 53–47 majority, they required at least 60 votes to advance the measure, ultimately securing eight Democratic votes.

The bill includes a provision for a December vote on extending key healthcare subsidies — a core Democratic demand — as well as funding for veterans affairs, agriculture, and food assistance programs like SNAP through next September.

However, Democratic leaders expressed frustration, warning the deal lacks firm guarantees on healthcare reform. “This bill does nothing to ensure that the healthcare crisis is addressed,” said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, confirming his opposition.

Despite dissent from progressives, the vote marks a turning point in the budget standoff. Still, the measure only funds government operations through January 30, raising the prospect of another shutdown early next year if a longer-term solution is not reached.

All federal workers will be paid retroactively for the shutdown period once the deal clears the House and receives the president’s approval.