Photo: Scott Eisen / Getty Images News / Getty Images
Pennsylvania Democrat John Fetterman voted with Senate Republicans on Sunday night (November 9) to pass a funding measure, marking a significant step toward reopening the U.S. government. The move came during the longest federal shutdown in U.S. history, which began on October 1 and has lasted 40 days. Fetterman was one of eight Senate Democrats who joined Republicans to advance the measure, which includes a stopgap to fund the government through January 30, 2026.
The shutdown has affected hundreds of thousands of federal workers, delayed flights, and disrupted food assistance benefits. According to Time, Senate Democrats had withheld support over healthcare subsidies but agreed to a deal with the White House and Senate Republicans for a future vote on these subsidies. However, Republicans did not pledge their support for extending them.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed disappointment, stating, "this fight will and must continue." Al Jazeera reported that the procedural vote passed 60-40, with Fetterman and seven other Democrats supporting the resolution.
The bill also includes funding for military construction, veterans' affairs, and the Department of Agriculture through September 30, 2026. However, it does not guarantee an extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies, a key Democratic priority. The New York Post noted that House Democrats, led by Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, expressed outrage, calling the deal an "unconditional surrender."
Senate Majority Leader John Thune promised a vote on ACA subsidies in December, but no similar promise was made for a House vote. Fetterman, after the vote, stated, "It should've never come to this. This was a failure."