Who are the Democrats voting with Republicans on the government shutdown deal? | CNN PoliticsWashington, D.C. – November 10, 2025 – In a dramatic late-night breakthrough, the U.S. Senate voted 60-40 on November 9 to advance a compromise funding package, paving the way to reopen the federal government after the longest shutdown in American history, now in its 41st day.
The shutdown, which began on October 1 when funding lapsed, has furloughed hundreds of thousands of federal workers, disrupted air travel, threatened food assistance programs like SNAP, and closed national parks ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. The impasse stemmed from Democratic demands to extend expiring Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies—set to lapse at year’s end, potentially doubling premiums for millions—while Republicans, backed by President Donald Trump, insisted on reopening the government before negotiating healthcare.
Eight centrist Democrats and independent Sen. Angus King (I-ME) broke ranks with party leadership, joining Republicans to secure the 60 votes needed to advance the bill. Key defectors included Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), John Fetterman (D-PA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), and King. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) voted against it, calling the deal a “surrender” on healthcare.
The package includes a continuing resolution funding most agencies through January 30, 2026, plus full-year appropriations for three “minibus” bills covering Agriculture-FDA (including SNAP), Veterans Affairs-Military Construction, and the Legislative Branch. It reverses Trump administration layoffs of federal workers, guarantees back pay, and prevents further reductions until January. In exchange, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) promised a December vote on ACA subsidy extensions, though House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has vowed not to bring it to the floor.
The bill now heads to full Senate passage, potentially as early as this week, before requiring House approval and President Trump’s signature. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) and progressives have decried the agreement as a betrayal, but centrist House Democrats may provide votes if needed.
Defectors defended the move as the “only deal on the table,” citing mounting economic damage and risks to vulnerable Americans. “This was our best chance to reopen the government,” Shaheen said. Trump welcomed the progress, telling reporters, “It looks like we’re getting very close to the shutdown ending.”
If enacted quickly, the deal could restore normal operations by mid-week, averting further chaos during the holiday season. However, the fight over ACA subsidies looms, setting up potential gridlock in December.
SOURCES:
Who are the Democrats voting with Republicans on the government shutdown deal? | CNN Politics
US Senate vote marks step towards ending federal shutdown | US federal government shutdown 2025 | The Guardian
US Senate advances bill to end federal shutdown | Reuters
Trump Live Updates: Senate Deal Puts Government Closer to Reopening – The New York Times
Senators take first step toward reopening the government after historic shutdown : NPR
Senate Moves Toward Ending Shutdown After Democratic Defectors Relent – The New York Times
