For 40 days, Senator Chuck Schumer kept his caucus unified. But an end approached without Democrats achieving an extension of expiring health insurance subsidies.
The shutdown is not over yet. Sunday’s 60-to-40 vote cleared the way for the Senate to formally debate the spending measure before a final vote. If the Senate approves it, the package still must be passed by the House — which has been on an extended recess and has not yet scheduled a return date — and signed by President Trump.
Summary of “Six Takeaways From the Senate Deal to End the Shutdown” (Nov. 10, 2025, NYT)
After a record 40-day shutdown, a Senate vote (60–40) advanced legislation to reopen the government. The deal was driven by moderate Democrats breaking ranks, despite failing to secure an extension of Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies — the main Democratic demand. The measure still requires House passage and President Trump’s signature.
Six Takeaways
- Democratic Unity Broke Down – After holding firm for weeks, moderate Democrats sided with Republicans to end the impasse, even without healthcare subsidy extensions.
- Health Care Will Remain Central – Democrats plan to keep pressing Republicans on ACA subsidies, expecting health costs to be a key 2026 election issue.
- Trump’s Pressure Worked – As shutdown pain deepened (unpaid workers, food aid delays, flight issues), Democrats conceded despite polls blaming Republicans.
- Trump Stayed Detached – He refused to meet Democrats or negotiate directly, relying on public pressure and social media while others worked out a deal.
- GOP Leaders Let Moderates Negotiate – Speaker Mike Johnson and Senator John Thune largely stood aside; moderates like Susan Collins helped reach the compromise.
- Democrats Gained Limited Wins – They secured back pay for federal workers, halted further layoffs, and preserved GAO funding and oversight powers.
