The longest government shutdown in U.S. history officially ended on Monday after the Senate approved a bipartisan funding package with a 60-40 vote. Seven Democrats and one independent joined all Republicans to break the 40-day stalemate, reopening federal operations while igniting internal backlash within the Democratic caucus.

The legislation funds most federal agencies through late January and includes year-long appropriations for military construction, veterans’ programs, the legislative branch, and the Department of Agriculture. It also guarantees back pay for furloughed workers, reverses recent federal dismissals, and restores relief programs for low-income families affected by lapses in food subsidies and health services. Disruptions to air travel caused by the shutdown are expected to ease as federal agencies resume full operations.

The deadlock centered on Affordable Care Act (ACA) healthcare subsidies, which remain unresolved. Without an extension, millions risk higher premiums or losing marketplace coverage by the end of the year. Senate Majority Leader John Thune pledged a separate vote on ACA subsidies later in December, though some Democrats, including Senator Bernie Sanders, dismissed the promise as “meaningless” due to potential presidential vetoes.

The eight Democratic senators who supported the deal faced sharp criticism from party leaders and grassroots activists for compromising on healthcare provisions. Senator Jeanne Shaheen defended her vote, calling it “the only deal on the table” to reopen government swiftly. Calls for Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s resignation emerged, though House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries praised Schumer’s ongoing opposition to the unresolved healthcare crisis.

With the Senate vote complete, attention now turns to the House of Representatives, where Speaker Mike Johnson aims to secure a final vote by Wednesday. Despite Democratic opposition over ACA subsidies, the narrow Republican majority gives the GOP significant leverage in passing the measure and officially ending the shutdown.