Senate Invokes Cloture 60-40 on Motion to Proceed to Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, Signaling End to 40-Day Government Shutdown Amidst Healthcare Funding Dispute
The Senate convened amidst a 40-day government shutdown, with significant debate focused on the impasse over government funding and healthcare costs. The day's proceedings culminated in a crucial 60-40 vote to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R. 5371, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026, a procedural step indicating a path forward to reopen the government. Senators also passed two veterans-related bills by unanimous consent and commemorated the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps.
This chamber-day is highly significant as it marks a critical turning point in the longest government shutdown in the nation's history. The successful cloture vote on the motion to proceed to the funding bill paves the way for the government to reopen, ending the uncertainty and hardship faced by federal employees and the public. The extensive debate on healthcare funding, particularly the Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits, underscores a deep partisan divide that remains unresolved and will likely continue to shape legislative priorities.
Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026
H.R. 5371Question before the chamber
Motion to proceed to H.R. 5371, followed by a cloture vote on that motion.
The case for
Senator Thune, the Majority Leader, argued that passing the continuing resolution (CR) and appropriations package would end the 40-day shutdown, fund vital programs like SNAP and WIC for the entire fiscal year, support veterans, and allow Congress to return to regular order for appropriations. Senator Collins highlighted that the measure would immediately reopen government, fund critical programs, and ensure federal workers receive back wages. Senator Cassidy proposed a prefunded Federal flexible spending account as an alternative to enhanced premium tax credits, empowering patients and potentially lowering healthcare costs.
The case against
Senator Grassley stated that Democrats caused the shutdown by refusing to support a clean CR unless it included their partisan priorities, specifically the extension of Biden-era COVID subsidies for ObamaCare. Senator Sanders argued that if the resolution passed, over 20 million Americans would see their Affordable Care Act premiums double or triple, and 15 million would be thrown off healthcare, leading to unnecessary deaths. Senator Schumer asserted that Republicans were dismantling the healthcare system and that the CR failed to address the healthcare crisis, vowing to continue the fight against what he called 'Republican-made healthcare crisis'.
Disposition
Cloture on the motion to proceed was invoked, and the motion to proceed was subsequently agreed to. · recorded vote
The Senate voted to advance H.R. 5371 for further consideration.
60-40
Who is affected
- Federal employees, military, Coast Guard, Capitol Police, Border Patrol agents, TSA screeners, air traffic controllers: Will receive back wages and end the uncertainty of missed paychecks due to the shutdown.
- Iowans and other American families relying on SNAP and WIC: Will receive full-year funding for vital nutrition programs, alleviating food insecurity.
- Young farmers: Will be able to access loan money from the Department of Agriculture, which was unavailable during the shutdown.
- Air travelers: Will see reduced flight cancellations and improved air travel stability as air traffic controllers return to full pay and operations.
- Americans relying on Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies: Will face potential doubling or tripling of healthcare premiums if the enhanced premium tax credits are not extended, leading to loss of insurance for millions.
Recognizing the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps
S. Res. 124Question before the chamber
Adoption of S. Res. 124.
The case for
Senator Blumenthal and Senator Sullivan emphasized the Marine Corps' storied history, grit, determination, and unshakable loyalty since its founding in 1775. They highlighted the Corps' motto 'Semper Fidelis' as a lifelong commitment and identity, recognizing their service in every American conflict and their role as ambassadors of American resolve. They also acknowledged the sacrifices of fallen Marines, Gold Star families, and the wounded, and the importance of supporting military families.
The case against
No opposition was aired in the Record.
Disposition
Resolution agreed to, preamble amended and agreed to. · unanimous consent
The Senate formally recognized and honored the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps.
Amendments
- To include the liberation of Helmand Province in the list of historic battles where United States Marines served. (Mr. Blumenthal) — Agreed to
Who is affected
- U.S. Marine Corps members (past and present): Receive formal recognition and honor for their service and sacrifices.
- Families of Marines: Receive acknowledgment for their support and sacrifices.
Cloture Invoked on Motion to Proceed to H.R. 5371, Advancing Government Funding Bill
highAfter a 40-day government shutdown, the Senate voted 60-40 to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R. 5371, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026. This procedural vote signals that the Senate will now move to consider the funding bill, which includes a clean continuing resolution and three full-year appropriations bills for Agriculture, Military Construction/Veterans Affairs, and Legislative Branch.
Deep Partisan Divide Over Healthcare Funding Highlighted During Shutdown Debate
highSenators from both parties engaged in extensive debate regarding the government shutdown, with a central point of contention being the extension of Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits. Democrats argued for their extension to prevent premium spikes and loss of coverage, while Republicans criticized the credits as temporary COVID subsidies benefiting insurance companies and called for alternative solutions to lower healthcare costs.
Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2025 Passed
mediumThe Senate passed S. 2392, the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2025, by unanimous consent. This bill will increase certain VA benefits by 2.8 percent, aligning with the annual Social Security Administration benefit increase, to keep pace with inflation for veterans and military survivors.
Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act Passed
mediumThe Senate passed S. 778, the Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act, by unanimous consent with a committee-reported substitute amendment. This legislation requires each VA medical center to have an appropriate, hygienic, and accessible space for veteran mothers to pump or breastfeed, addressing the needs of a growing demographic of women veterans.
U.S. Marine Corps 250th Anniversary Commemorated
lowSenators Blumenthal and Sullivan led a bipartisan commemoration of the U.S. Marine Corps' 250th anniversary, which occurs on November 10. The Senate adopted S. Res. 124, recognizing the Corps' history, sacrifices, and commitment, and an amendment was agreed to adding 'Helmand Province' to the list of historic battles.