End to longest US government shutdown one step closer - as Democrats face backlash

An end to the longest US government shutdown in history is one step closer after Senate Democrats broke with their party to strike a deal with the Republicans.

Senators backed by 60 votes to 40 legislation to end the impasse, though it still needs approval from the House of Representatives - and sign-off by President Donald Trump.

He has indicated he is happy with the agreement, though, which would restore funding for federal agencies that have gone without since 1 October.

It would also prevent any further layoffs until 30 January, but does not satisfy Democrat demands regarding health care insurance for millions of Americans.

Health care was at the heart of the dispute that led to the shutdown.

The Democrats had refused to support a Republican budget plan unless tax credits that made medical insurance cheaper for millions of people were renewed.

The willingness of eight moderate Democrats to break the Senate deadlock without that guarantee has provoked fury among many in the party.

Some are now calling on Senate Minority Chuck Schumer to be replaced because he is "no longer effective".

California Governor Gavin Newsom - regarded as a contender for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination - said: "Pathetic. This isn't a deal. It's surrender."

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On Monday morning, Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune had urged politicians to work together to break a stalemate that had lasted for more than 40 days.

He said: "The American people have suffered for long enough. Let's not pointlessly drag this bill out."

The shutdown began on 1 October - with 670,000 federal government employees furloughed or left with no choice but to work without pay.

SNAP, a food aid programme used by 42 million Americans, has been frozen - with thousands of flights cancelled at dozens of major airports.

Mr Trump has told air traffic controllers to get back to work, threatening anyone who doesn't with "docked" pay.

The funding package now heading to the House of Representatives only lasts through to 30 January, making it a relatively short-term solution that will require further negotiation.

(c) Sky News 2025: End to longest US government shutdown one step closer - as Democrats face backlash