Longest US shutdown nears end? Senate reaches toward funding deal, says Trump

Washington: The United States government shutdown now the longest in the nation’s history may finally be nearing resolution. Senate leaders and the White House are said to be closing in on a funding deal that could reopen government operations after more than five weeks of disruption. Senate Negotiators Push for Breakthrough According to multiple US media reports, a bipartisan group of centrist senators reached a tentative understanding with GOP leaders and the White House late Sunday night. The deal would fund the federal government through late January 2026 and trigger a separate vote on extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies the main flashpoint that had stalled talks. Government Shutdown Grounds Hundreds of U.S. Flights, FAA Orders 4% Cut at Major Airports The Senate is expected to vote on the proposal between 8:30 pm and 9 pm ET on Sunday. If approved, the package will advance to the House of Representatives for final passage before reaching President Donald Trump for his signature. Record-Long Shutdown Paralyzes Federal Services The current funding lapse, which began on October 1, has surpassed the 35-day record set during the 2018-19 standoff. Nearly 800,000 federal employees remain either furloughed or working without pay, with essential services scaled back across departments. Economic losses are mounting. Independent estimates suggest the shutdown is costing the economy up to $14 billion per week, while air-travel delays, food-safety lapses, and suspended data releases continue to inconvenience millions of Americans. Congress Divided Over Compromise The emerging Senate framework has drawn mixed reactions. Several House Democrats have criticized it as incomplete, arguing that it fails to guarantee ACA subsidy protections. Party leaders plan to convene a caucus meeting on Monday to decide their stance ahead of any floor vote. Air travel in US halted due to shutdown; Flights are being delayed Meanwhile, moderate lawmakers from both parties have urged quick passage to limit further economic fallout and restore public services. The Road Ahead If both chambers approve the Senate’s proposal and the President signs it, federal offices could reopen within days. However, fresh budget battles may follow later this winter as Congress debates long-term spending priorities and healthcare reforms. Until then, Americans continue to endure the effects of the 36-day shutdown, hoping Capitol Hill can finally deliver a resolution.