(MENAFN) On Monday, the U.S. Senate approved a measure to bring an end to the nation’s longest-running government shutdown, which has now reached its 41st day.

With a tally of 60-40, the Senate endorsed H.R.5371, known as the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026, as modified.

Democratic Senators Catherine Cortez Masto, Dick Durbin, John Fetterman, Maggie Hassan, Tim Kaine, Angus King, Jacky Rosen, and Jeanne Shaheen joined with Republican colleagues to back the legislation.

Republican Senator Rand Paul opposed the proposal, which prolongs federal financing through January 30, 2026.

This bill also includes three-year appropriations packages that support vital federal departments and initiatives while reinstating government workers who were dismissed during the shutdown.

"This has been a very long road, quite literally the longest shutdown in history. I am very, very happy to be able to say that we are coming to the end," stated Majority Leader John Thune during remarks on the Senate floor following the passage of the bill.

The upper house is forwarding the measure to the House of Representatives for its concluding endorsement.

On Wednesday, the lower chamber is set to reconvene for the first time since September 19, after House Speaker Mike Johnson called on lawmakers Monday to begin returning "right now" to Washington, D.C., as the shutdown continues to cause widespread disruption to air travel throughout the nation.

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