(MENAFN) The U.S. Senate voted 60–40 on Sunday to overcome a Democratic filibuster and push forward a bill to finance the federal government, marking a pivotal advancement toward reopening operations after a five-week closure.

This procedural decision followed support from eight Senate Democrats who sided with Republicans to back the proposal.

The measure contains a promise to conduct a subsequent vote on prolonging Affordable Care Act (ACA) health care subsidies and to rehire federal workers who were dismissed during the shutdown.

Democratic Whip Dick Durbin defied party leadership by endorsing the compromise, joining Democratic Senators Catherine Cortez Masto, John Fetterman, Maggie Hassan, Jeanne Shaheen, Tim Kaine, and Jacky Rosen, along with Independent Senator Angus King.

Republican Senator Rand Paul stood as the only Republican casting a “no” vote.

The optimistic outlook emerged as several news outlets reported that legislators had achieved a bipartisan arrangement to sustain government funding until the end of January.

In return, Senate Republicans agreed to schedule a vote on continuing essential health care subsidies set to lapse on Jan. 1.

Nevertheless, the final approval of the funding legislation may still encounter obstacles, since under Senate regulations, any senator can delay additional action for several days.

The House of Representatives must also return to session to pass the Senate’s compromise before it can proceed to President Donald Trump’s desk for endorsement.

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