(MENAFN) The US Senate has cleared a procedural vote on a measure designed to end the ongoing federal government shutdown, marking the first significant movement toward ending the record-breaking impasse.

Following a weekend of negotiations in Washington, a small group of Democrats joined Republicans in supporting the deal. The vote represents the initial stage in passing a compromise to fund government operations after funding lapsed on 1 October. The measure must still pass several additional steps, including approval in the House of Representatives, before federal employees return to work and services resume.

The current shutdown, the longest in US history, has left roughly 1.4 million federal employees unpaid or working without compensation and disrupted numerous government services, including US air travel and food assistance for 41 million low-income Americans.

The agreement was negotiated by Senate leaders and members from both parties, including Democratic senators and an independent who caucuses with them. Republicans, holding a 53-47 Senate majority, needed to attract votes from the opposing side to surpass the 60-vote threshold. Eight Democrats joined Republicans, while one Republican, Senator Rand Paul, opposed the deal, citing concerns over national debt.

The measure includes a provision for a vote in December on extending healthcare subsidies, a key Democratic priority. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said, "I'm thankful to be able to say we have senators, both Democrats and Republicans, who are eager to get to work to address that crisis in a bipartisan way. We also have a president who is willing to sit down and get to work on this issue. So I'm looking forward to seeing what solutions might be brought forward."

Some Democrats criticized the process, arguing that negotiators had not secured enough guarantees on healthcare. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer stated, "This bill does nothing to ensure that that crisis is addressed," confirming his opposition to the measure.

California Governor Gavin Newsom called the vote by Democrats who sided with Republicans "pathetic."

The measure also includes three appropriations bills to fund specific agencies, a continuing resolution for overall government funding through 30 January, guarantees for back pay for federal employees during the shutdown, and funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Snap) until next September.

Even with Senate approval, the deal must still navigate the House of Representatives, where additional challenges are expected before the government fully reopens.

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