WASHINGTON : This signalled an end to a 41-day standoff that left hundreds of thousands of federal employees unpaid and critical services disrupted.

The Senate voted 60–40 in favor of the legislation late Tuesday, with a small group of moderate Democrats breaking ranks to support the agreement with Republicans despite internal party criticism. The bill’s passage marks a breakthrough in a bitter political impasse that stretched for nearly six weeks, paralyzing key federal operations and straining millions of Americans dependent on government support.

The measure will now head to the House of Representatives, which is set to reconvene in the coming days after a recess since mid-September. A vote in the House is expected soon, potentially bringing the shutdown to a complete close before the week’s end.

Democrats had initially demanded that Republicans negotiate an extension of health care tax credits set to expire on January 1. Republicans resisted, leading to a protracted stalemate. Mounting public frustration and the ripple effects of the shutdown, including delayed food aid, worsening airport congestion, and unpaid federal workers, ultimately pressured several Democrats to shift their stance.

Following the Senate’s decision, the U.S. president urged all air traffic controllers to return to work, emphasizing the need to restore normalcy after weeks of disruption.