These 8 Senate Democrats Vote to End US Government Shutdown

A resolution to the longest US government shutdown has finally come about. Last Sunday the Democrats allowed for the first steps to be taken for ‘advancing federal spending legislation. This dramatic decision finally allowed furloughed employees to return to work. It ended 40 days of disrupted services, delayed public air transport for the travelling public, and unpaid work for thousands.​

Senate Vote Results Today: Timeline for Reopening Activities

Senate members voted 60-40 in favour of bipartisan legislation that formally extends government activities for another 20 days. For the first time in weeks, Congress members were actually able to discuss spending; Democrats to defend health-care from subsidy cuts, and Republicans to demand spending cuts, which ended in a compromise that proposed healthcare subsidy discussions in December. This has led several Democrats to come under fire from others in their party, given the promised healthcare discussions in December.

Which Democrats Voted With Republicans Today?

Eight Democrats crossed the aisle in the key Senate cloture vote to end the shutdown. They include:

• Dick Durbin (Illinois)​

• Jeanne Shaheen (New Hampshire)​

• Maggie Hassan (New Hampshire)​

• Tim Kaine (Virginia)​

• John Fetterman (Pennsylvania)​

• Catherine Cortez Masto (Nevada)​

• Jacky Rosen (Nevada)​

• Angus King (Independent–Maine, caucuses with Democrats)​

None of these senators face reelection in 2026. Most are moderates or retiring, helping facilitate the deal after weeks of stalemate.

Is the Government Reopening? Did the Government Shutdown End?

Yes, the Senate has passed the first major step toward reopening the government. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for approval before President Trump signs it into law. If approved, all federal agencies, including the IRS, TSA, and National Parks, will reopen by the end of the week. Essential workers will return, paychecks will resume, and critical services like SNAP and air traffic control will restart soon.​

Live Senate Vote: Congress Update

Congressional leaders, like Majority Leader John Thune, have pushed for quick action, saying the shutdown has caused travel strains, disrupted aid to families, and hurt military pay. Senate Republicans and moderate Democrats now encourage the House to pass the deal without delay. You can watch all live vote coverage on CSPAN and major news networks as the bill heads to the next stage.​

SHUTDOWN BREAKTHROUGH: Several Senate Democrats joined Republicans to advance a bipartisan plan to end the government shutdown. "It's now only a matter of time before the government shutdown is over," @ChadPergram reports. pic.twitter.com/VASZtpZZAM

— Fox News (@FoxNews) November 10, 2025

What Happens Next With Government Shutdown?

• The House votes on the Senate-approved deal within days.

• If the bill passes, President Trump is set to sign it immediately.

• Federal workers receive back pay and the government resumes normal operations.

• Congress will debate healthcare subsidies again in December as part of the agreement.

Did Democrats Cave on Shutdown?

Some Democrats are facing backlash for voting for a deal that doesn’t guarantee long-term health subsidies. Others say reopening the government was most important for US families and workers, especially as the shutdown stretched longer than any in history.