Government Shutdown 2025 Update: Which 8 Democrats Voted With Republicans to End the Shutdown?

Eight members of the Senate Democratic Caucus crossed party lines on Sunday night, voting with Republicans to advance a bipartisan deal that would reopen the U.S. federal government. The vote followed weeks of political deadlock in Washington and growing public pressure as millions of Americans felt the effects of the prolonged shutdown.

The group includes Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto, Dick Durbin, John Fetterman, Maggie Hassan, Tim Kaine, Angus King, Jacky Rosen, and Jeanne Shaheen. Their decision helped the Senate move forward with legislation designed to fund the government and guarantee a future vote on extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies.

Who Are the 8 Senate Democrats Who Backed the Shutdown Deal?

Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada has consistently pushed to reopen the government, citing long food bank lines and financial pain across her state. She argued that keeping the government closed “inflicted needless suffering on working families.”

Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin, the Democratic whip and the only member of leadership to vote yes, said the measure was imperfect but necessary. He noted that Democrats secured commitments for a later vote on ACA tax credits, a key demand for the party.

Pennsylvania’s John Fetterman, one of the most outspoken critics of the shutdown within his party, said he could not justify government workers missing paychecks. “We need to stop hurting the people who keep this country running,” Fetterman remarked.

Former New Hampshire governor Maggie Hassan was among those who helped broker the ACA-related compromise. She highlighted the financial strain of higher insurance premiums and the human toll of stalled federal programs.

Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, representing one of the largest federal workforces in the country, said reopening was essential to reinstate wrongfully terminated employees and guarantee back pay. “This legislation protects workers from politically motivated firings,” he said.

Independent Sen. Angus King of Maine played a major role in negotiating the deal. As a former governor, King emphasized the importance of compromise, saying, “We are closer to the possibility of helping people with their health care than we were a week ago.”

Nevada’s other senator, Jacky Rosen, also voted for the deal, noting that 95,000 residents in her state rely on ACA subsidies. “This was the only path to ensure those families aren’t left behind,” Rosen stated.

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, one of the architects of the ACA tax credit provisions, said the agreement “was the best available chance to reopen the government and move forward on health care.”

Senate Division and Political Repercussions

Sunday’s vote revealed ongoing fractures within the Democratic caucus. Most Democrats opposed the bill, arguing it gave away leverage without securing firm commitments on healthcare funding. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer voted against the measure, while Minority Leader John Thune of the GOP said the deal represented “a step toward stability.”

The eight Democrats who sided with Republicans are not up for reelection in 2026, giving them political room to vote for compromise without immediate electoral consequences. Two of them—Durbin and Shaheen—plan to retire after their current terms, a factor that may have reduced political pressure.

What Happens Next?

The Senate vote moves the measure toward final passage, likely paving the way for the government to reopen within days. The House is expected to take up the deal soon, and President Joe Biden has signaled support for signing it into law once approved.

As of Monday morning, the government remains partially shut down, but momentum toward reopening is strong. The bipartisan breakthrough in the Senate marks the clearest path yet to ending the 2025 federal shutdown.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Which senators voted to end the government shutdown?

Eight members of the Senate Democratic Caucus joined Republicans: Cortez Masto, Durbin, Fetterman, Hassan, Kaine, King, Rosen, and Shaheen.

Q2: Is the government shutdown officially over?

Not yet. The Senate deal still needs final passage and House approval before the government fully reopens.

Q3: What was the main issue dividing Democrats and Republicans?

The key dispute centered on the extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies and funding terms for federal programs.

Q4: When will the government reopen?

If the House approves the Senate’s funding bill this week, federal operations could resume within days.

Q5: Did Chuck Schumer support the deal?

No. Schumer and most Democratic leaders opposed the agreement, citing concerns about insufficient health care guarantees.