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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Senate moved a step closer to ending the nation’s longest government shutdown late Sunday, advancing a bipartisan deal that could reopen most federal agencies within days.

In a 60–40 vote, eight Democrats joined Republicans to move forward a stopgap spending bill, signaling a rare moment of cross-aisle cooperation after 41 days of halted paychecks, closed offices, and escalating economic strain.

The Senate vote , 60 in favor – 40 against, was enough to clear the procedural hurdle needed to advance the measure. The eight Democrats who broke ranks were Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen of Nevada, Dick Durbin of Illinois, John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire, Tim Kaine of Virginia, and Angus King of Maine, an independent who caucuses with Democrats.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) said he hopes to bring the measure to a final vote “within hours, not days.” The bill now heads toward the House, where Speaker Mike Johnson has already told colleagues he’s aiming for a Wednesday vote if the Senate completes its work in time.

The proposed agreement would extend government funding through January 2026 and package three full-year appropriations bills for defense, veterans affairs, and transportation. It also includes provisions to reverse furlough-related layoffs and prevent new workforce reductions during the funding period.

In exchange for Democratic cooperation, Senate leaders promised to hold a December vote on restoring Affordable Care Act (ACA) health-insurance tax credits,  a major point of contention in the standoff.

If enacted, the deal would authorize back pay for federal workers and restart frozen programs ranging from housing grants to student-loan servicing.

In a private conference call Monday, Speaker Mike Johnson told Republican members he wants to bring the legislation to the floor by Wednesday, urging them to return to Washington early to avoid travel disruptions.

“The goal is to act quickly and reopen the government responsibly,” Johnson said, according to members familiar with the call. “Americans expect results, not more gridlock.”