Federal government shutdown update: Enough Senate Democrats expected to vote with Republicans to break shutdown impasse: Sources
Share this @internewscast.com

WASHINGTON — The Senate is preparing for a critical vote, potentially as soon as Sunday night, on a proposal poised to significantly advance efforts to reopen the government.

This vote serves as a pivotal moment to determine whether sufficient Democratic support can be garnered to join Republicans in resolving the deadlock, despite the lack of an extension for Affordable Care Act subsidies that expire at the year’s end. This issue has been a sticking point during the unprecedented 40-day shutdown.

According to insiders speaking with ABC News’ Jonathan Karl, the proposed legislation would secure funding through January 31 and allocate resources for the remainder of the fiscal year to essential agencies. These include the Department of Agriculture, to ensure SNAP benefits, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

A senior Democratic senator conveyed to Karl that there should be ample Democratic votes for passage, even though a majority, including key leaders, are expected to oppose it.

Democrats would not receive any immediate concessions on healthcare beyond a pledge for a Senate vote on the extension of ACA subsidies by year-end—essentially the same offer Senate Majority Leader John Thune had made over a month ago, which Democrats previously rejected.

While many Senate Democrats are likely to vote against the bill, sources indicate they recognize that this phase of the battle is concluding. They plan to shift the healthcare debate to the midterms, highlighting Republican inaction as a factor that could cause health insurance premiums to soar for millions of Americans.

At least 60 votes are needed to move the bill forward. In past votes, Sen. Rand Paul was the only Republican to vote against the bill while Democrats Catherine Cortez Masto and John Fetterman, as well as Independent Angus King, voted for it. At least five more Democrats would have to vote in favor of the bill to move it forward.

Passage of the bill would not immediately reopen the government. The House would also have to approve the bill. The House has been out of session since September and Speaker Mike Johnson would need to call his members back to Washington to consider this bill before it could head to President Donald Trump’s desk.

The Senate wants to modify the bill in a number of ways. Should the vote succeed, it would start debate of the funding bill. If Democrats allow debate to begin, there are some key modifications that senators want to make to the bill:
-They want to change it’s expiration date from Nov. 21 to the end of January.
-They want to attach three full-year funding bills to it. The government is usually funded through 12 full-year appropriations bills. The three that senators hope to include are Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, the Legislative Branch, and the Department of Agriculture. If lawmakers fail to fund the government by the new deadline, programs covered by these bills would be fully funded through the end of the fiscal year.
-There could be the inclusion of some sort of language guaranteeing Democrats a vote by a certain date on a bill to address health care. There could also be some sort of language to reverse some of the administration’s reductions in force of government workers that occurred during the shutdown.

Unless there’s total agreement by all senators to quickly adjust the bill, it could take the Senate up to a week to process it.

ABC News’ Jonathan Karl contributed to this report.

Copyright © 2025 ABC News Internet Ventures.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
US envoy Witkoff says high-level Miami talks focused on 'unified Gazan authority' as Israel ceasefire advances

US Envoy Witkoff Highlights Miami Discussions on Establishing a ‘Unified Gazan Authority’ Amid Progress in Israel Ceasefire

Efforts to advance the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire plan are…
Former Australian minister says ‘radical Islam pulled the trigger’ in nation's worst terror attack

Ex-Australian Minister Claims ‘Radical Islam’ Behind Nation’s Deadliest Terror Attack

EXCLUSIVE: A former Australian government minister has attributed the country’s deadliest terrorist…
City of Chicago budget vote: Rare Saturday Chicago City Council meeting to be held as Mayor Brandon Johnson pushes head tax

Chicago City Council Convenes Unusual Saturday Session for Crucial Budget Vote on Mayor Johnson’s Proposed Head Tax

As the holiday season approaches, Chicago’s city leaders find themselves in a…
NYCHA must be central to Mamdani housing plan

Transforming NYC Housing: Why NYCHA is Key to Mamdani’s Visionary Plan

For a glimpse into New York’s housing outlook, it’s crucial to consider…
AG Pam Bondi has 'conflict of interest' in seeking death penalty against Luigi Mangione, defense says

Conflict of Interest: AG Pam Bondi’s Controversial Pursuit of the Death Penalty in Luigi Mangione Case

NEW YORK — In a recent court submission, attorneys representing Luigi Mangione…
Dave Chappelle surprises fans with Netflix special after Joshua-Paul fight

Dave Chappelle Drops Unexpected Netflix Special Following Joshua-Paul Fight

Dave Chappelle is once again ready to deliver laughs to his audience.…
State Attorney's Office to seek death penalty for suspect in deadly Putnam County stabbing

Putnam County Stabbing Case: State Attorney Pursues Death Penalty for Suspect

The harrowing nature of a recent crime in Putnam County, Florida, has…
After firing Steve Wilks, Aaron Glenn needs to get next DC hire right

Aaron Glenn Faces Crucial Decision: Finding the Right Defensive Coordinator After Steve Wilks’ Departure

Jets head coach Aaron Glenn is proactively searching for a new defensive…
Former Hamas hostage warned Australian leaders about dangers of antisemitism months before Bondi Beach attack

Ex-Hamas Hostage’s Urgent Warning on Antisemitism Ignored: Insights Months Ahead of Bondi Beach Incident

A former hostage of Hamas, Eli Sharabi, recently shared his concerns with…
Men, boys meet to address mental health challenges at Josephine's Southern Cooking breakfast event on Chicago's South Side

Men and Boys Gather at Josephine’s Southern Cooking Breakfast to Tackle Mental Health Challenges on Chicago’s South Side

In the heart of Chicago’s South Side, a critical dialogue on mental…
Australian state weighs ban on 'globalize the intifada' chants, masked protesters in wake of Hanukkah attack

Australian State Considers Ban on Controversial Chants and Masks Post-Hanukkah Attack

In New South Wales, Australia, authorities are considering a prohibition on the…
Luigi Mangione lawyers renew bid to toss death penalty charge, alleging Pam Bondi has a conflict of interest

Luigi Mangione’s Legal Team Seeks Dismissal of Death Penalty, Citing Conflict of Interest with Pam Bondi

On Friday, attorneys representing Luigi Mangione intensified their efforts to dismiss the…