Is the Government Still Shutdown? What to Know About the New Deal

The United States government remains technically shut down as lawmakers finalize a long-awaited deal to end the historic stalemate. On Sunday, congressional leaders announced that a bipartisan agreement had been reached in the Senate to reopen the government — a major breakthrough after more than a month of gridlock.

The deal, supported by both Senate Democrats and Republicans, includes funding to fully reopen federal agencies through January 30. It also promises a future vote on healthcare subsidies tied to the Affordable Care Act and reverses some recent federal employee layoffs.

Details on the Deal Ending the Government Shutdown

The government shutdown began in early October 2025, following a failure by Congress to pass a spending bill or continuing resolution to keep agencies funded. It became the longest shutdown in U.S. history, leaving hundreds of thousands of federal workers furloughed and millions of Americans affected by delayed services.

According to multiple reports, the new Senate agreement marks a turning point. The proposal includes temporary funding through January 30, along with a scheduled vote on health insurance subsidy programs later this year. The White House has indicated cautious approval, signaling that the administration may support the measure once it passes both chambers of Congress.

However, the government is not yet officially reopened. The Senate must still pass the final version of the bill, the House of Representatives must approve it, and the President must sign it into law. Until these steps are completed, the shutdown technically remains in effect.

Federal employees, transportation systems, and public programs continue to face disruption. Air travel delays, suspended food aid, and halted preschool funding have all impacted citizens across the country. The deal offers hope but not immediate relief until full legislative approval is achieved.

Political and Economic Impact

The potential end to the shutdown provides temporary stability, but broader challenges remain. Economists have warned that the prolonged closure could shave billions off the U.S. economy, slow hiring, and erode public confidence in government operations.

Politically, the deal reflects one of the few moments of bipartisan cooperation in recent years. Lawmakers from both parties expressed relief but acknowledged that the agreement only buys limited time before another funding deadline looms in early 2026.

Public sentiment has been increasingly negative as the shutdown dragged on, with polls showing frustration directed at both major parties. Many voters have called for structural reforms to prevent future government shutdowns altogether.

So, is the government still shutdown? Yes — for now. A final vote is still required before agencies reopen, workers return, and normal operations resume. If all goes as planned, the government could reopen within days once the President signs the bill.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Is the government shutdown over?

No. The shutdown is still active until Congress passes the deal and the President signs it into law.

Q2: When will the government reopen?

Lawmakers hope to reopen the government within the next few days once all approvals are complete.

Q3: What’s included in the new deal?

The deal funds government operations through January 30, restores certain federal jobs, and schedules a future vote on healthcare subsidies.

Q4: How have federal workers been affected?

Many remain furloughed or are working without pay. Back pay and reinstatement will occur once the funding bill becomes law.

Q5: Could another shutdown happen soon?

Yes. If lawmakers fail to reach a long-term spending agreement by late January, another shutdown could occur in early 2026.