Eight Senate Democrats broke ranks with their party to vote in favor of advancing a bipartisan deal designed to end the ongoing government shutdown, marking a rare split within the Democratic caucus.

The vote, which passed 60–40, allows the Senate to move forward with a short-term funding measure that would reopen the government through late January while deferring a final decision on healthcare subsidies and longer-term budget priorities.

The Democrats who supported the deal include Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen of Nevada, Dick Durbin of Illinois, John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, Maggie Hassan and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, Tim Kaine of Virginia, and independent Senator Angus King of Maine, who caucuses with Democrats.

Their votes gave Republicans the support needed to overcome procedural hurdles, but also deepened frustration among progressive lawmakers who argue that the agreement fails to protect millions of Americans who rely on Affordable Care Act tax credits.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and most of the Democratic caucus voted against advancing the measure, insisting that any deal must secure health-care funding and address broader spending priorities. Despite this opposition, the procedural passage signals movement toward ending what has become one of the longest shutdowns in U.S. history.

The deal would temporarily fund key agencies, resume pay for hundreds of thousands of federal workers, and restart critical programs that have been halted during the shutdown. However, it leaves unresolved issues over entitlement spending and the administration’s use of executive power on budget decisions.

As negotiations continue, the split among Democrats highlights growing tension between moderates seeking compromise and progressives pushing for stronger protections for working families. The next phase of talks will determine whether the short-term deal can evolve into a more sustainable budget solution.