The U.S. Senate voted on Monday to approve a bipartisan agreement that would end the longest government shutdown in the country’s history. The vote was 60 to 40, with support from almost all Republicans and eight Democrats. The decision marks a critical step toward restoring full government operations after weeks of political stalemate that disrupted federal services and delayed pay for hundreds of thousands of workers. The approved government shutdown bill now moves to the House of Representatives, which is expected to vote on the measure on Wednesday. Lawmakers anticipate swift action as pressure mounts to reopen agencies and stabilize the economy after an extended period of uncertainty. Senate leaders from both parties described the agreement as a necessary step to restore government stability and prevent further economic strain. The shutdown, which lasted longer than any previous one, has affected air travel, delayed public programs, and created growing frustration among federal workers and the public. The bipartisan package focuses on renewing government funding through the end of the fiscal year. It also includes short-term provisions designed to keep essential services running while Congress continues broader negotiations on budget priorities. The compromise follows weeks of failed attempts to link new funding to the renewal of healthcare subsidies set to expire later this year. While most Democrats supported tying funding to those subsidies, only eight members of the party voted in favor of the final measure. The remaining Democratic senators opposed the bill, arguing it lacked sufficient guarantees for critical social programs. However, supporters of the bill emphasized that passing it quickly was the only way to end the shutdown and prevent further harm to federal workers. House Speaker Mike Johnson has called for lawmakers to return to Washington immediately to prepare for the upcoming vote. He urged members to act swiftly, citing the disruption caused by travel delays and logistical issues linked to the shutdown. His message reflected growing bipartisan acknowledgment that extended gridlock has taken a toll on both the government and the American public. The shutdown began after Congress failed to pass a budget agreement in mid-September. The impasse forced several departments and agencies to close or operate at limited capacity. Over 800,000 federal employees were either furloughed or required to work without pay, while essential services, such as airport security and food inspections, continued under severe strain. Economists have warned that prolonged shutdowns can weaken public confidence, slow growth, and create ripple effects across local economies dependent on federal operations. The latest shutdown drew particular attention due to its duration and timing, as it occurred during a period of economic adjustment following interest rate changes and ongoing budget debates. The newly passed Senate bill aims to address these challenges by restoring funding across key agencies, including defense, transportation, and public health. It also reestablishes payments for contractors and public programs that were suspended. Lawmakers have expressed hope that this measure will provide breathing room for both parties to negotiate long-term spending reforms. If the House passes the bill on Wednesday, it will go to the president’s desk for signature. Once signed into law, the measure will immediately reopen federal offices and allow workers to receive back pay for the time lost during the shutdown. The episode serves as another reminder of the deep political divisions that have repeatedly brought the U.S. government to the brink of closure. Despite the tensions, Monday’s vote signaled a rare moment of cooperation between the two parties to protect the nation’s economic stability. As Washington prepares for the final vote in the House, Americans across the country are hopeful that the government shutdown bill will mark the end of weeks of disruption and uncertainty. The focus now shifts to ensuring that similar impasses do not occur again, as lawmakers continue to debate long-term fiscal priorities in the months ahead.