Senate approves deal to end record U.S. government shutdown

A breakthrough deal aimed at ending the record-breaking U.S. government shutdown has cleared its first major hurdle, passing the Senate on Monday after weeks of tense negotiations.

The agreement, reached following a weekend of bipartisan talks, saw a minority of Democrats join Republicans in voting to advance a compromise funding bill. The procedural vote marks the first concrete step toward reopening the federal government, which has been partially shut down since October 1, leaving hundreds of thousands of workers unpaid and many public services stalled.

While the measure still faces several more stages — including a crucial vote in the House of Representatives — the Senate approval represents the most significant sign of progress in the 40-day impasse that has gripped Washington.

Senate leaders from both parties expressed cautious optimism after the vote. “This is a step in the right direction,” said one senior lawmaker, noting that both sides had made concessions to bring an end to the stalemate.

If the deal is ultimately approved, it would unlock federal funding and allow government operations and employee pay to resume, restoring normalcy to agencies ranging from national parks to public health services.

The shutdown, the longest in U.S. history, has sparked widespread frustration among citizens and public servants alike, with mounting economic and social costs. Observers say the Senate’s move could signal a turning point — if lawmakers can maintain momentum toward final approval in the coming days.