(MENAFN) The US Senate took a significant step on Sunday toward ending the longest government shutdown in US history, clearing the way for a formal debate on a motion to resume federal funding.

The Republican-controlled chamber approved a procedural vote 60-40, setting a strict limit on further discussion of the measure. Lawmakers now have a maximum of 30 hours of debate before voting on the motion, which requires only a simple majority of 50 votes to pass. The bill will still need approval from the Republican-led House of Representatives before reaching President Donald Trump’s desk, a process that could take several days.

The development marks meaningful progress toward ending a shutdown that has lasted over 40 days, halted federal programs, and disrupted travel and other essential services. The breakthrough followed a bipartisan agreement to temporarily fund the government through January after disagreements over healthcare subsidies, food assistance programs, and federal employee firings.

Trump, arriving at the White House after a weekend at Mar-a-Lago, commented, “It looks like we're getting very close to the shutdown ending.”

Democratic Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia joined eight Democrats in supporting the measure, emphasizing the need to protect federal workers. “I need a moratorium on the punishing of the federal workforce,” he said. The bill would restore furloughed employees, reverse reductions-in-force layoffs, and ensure back pay for workers terminated during the shutdown.

Senator John Thune, a Republican, welcomed the vote as relief for Americans facing financial strain. “After 40 days of uncertainty, I'm profoundly glad to be able to announce that nutrition programs, our veterans, and other critical priorities will have their full-year funding,” he said.

The shutdown has had immediate effects on transportation. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that US air travel could “slow to a trickle” if the funding lapse continued, with thousands of flights canceled or delayed over the weekend. FlightAware reported more than 3,000 cancellations and over 10,000 delays by Sunday evening. Duffy cautioned that travelers for the November 27 Thanksgiving holiday could face serious disruptions.

The proposed bill would restore funding for the SNAP food stamp program, aiding more than 42 million low-income Americans, and ensure a vote on extending healthcare subsidies set to expire at year-end.

Opposition remains among some Democrats. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez highlighted the limited benefits of current programs, noting that the average SNAP benefit is $177 per month and healthcare subsidies under the Affordable Care Act average up to $550 per month. She argued on X that holding firm is about protecting lives, not appealing to political bases.

MENAFN11112025000045017640ID1110327101