The Senate made a significant move on Sunday toward ending the ongoing government shutdown. This development came after a faction of moderate Democrats opted to advance without securing a promise to extend health care subsidies, a decision that has sparked frustration among many party members who argue that the public supports their continued advocacy for these benefits.

In an initial procedural vote, the Senate approved, by a 60-40 margin, a motion to advance compromise legislation aimed at funding the government. The plan includes a future vote to address the extension of Affordable Care Act tax credits, which are set to expire on January 1.

The process of finalizing and passing the legislation could still face hurdles, as objections from Democrats may lead to delays over the coming days.

As the shutdown persists, its impact is increasingly being felt nationwide. On Sunday, U.S. airlines canceled over 2,000 flights—the highest number since the shutdown began—and experienced more than 7,000 delays, according to data from FlightAware, which monitors air travel disruptions.

Speaking on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Treasury Secretary Sean Duffy warned that air travel could come to a near standstill as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches if the government remains closed.

Treasury Secretary Sean Duffy said on CNN’s “State of the Union” that air travel ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday will be “reduced to a trickle” if the government doesn’t reopen.

At the same time, food aid was delayed for tens of millions of people as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits were caught up in legal battles related to the shutdown.

And in Washington, home to millions of federal workers who have gone unpaid, the Capital Area Food Bank said it is providing 8 million more meals ahead of the holidays than it had prepared to this budget year — a nearly 20 per cent increase.