Senate takes first step to reopen government, fueling Democratic split

Published November 9, 2025 10:53pm ET



After 14 failed votes and a 40-day-long shutdown, the Senate took its first step toward reopening the government on Sunday, with enough Democrats relenting on their healthcare demands to allow Republicans to overcome a filibuster.

The test vote, which took place during a rare weekend session, came shortly after Senate appropriators put the finishing touches on three full-year bills that would fund Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, and other federal departments. 

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