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The Senate took a major step toward reopening the government by breaking the Democrats’ filibuster on the funding bill with a 60–40 vote.

After eight Senate Democrats accepted a deal that includes a later vote on extending healthcare subsidies and guarantees that federal employees laid off during the shutdown will be reinstated, lawmakers finally overcame the five-week impasse that had paralyzed Congress.

Democratic Whip Dick Durbin, along with Democratic Senators Catherine Cortez Masto, John Fetterman, Maggie Hassan, Jeanne Shaheen, Tim Kaine, Jacky Rosen, and Independent Senator Angus King, broke ranks with Democratic leadership to advance the package.

This is seen as the first sign of progress after a 40-day deadlock.

The agreement could pave the way for a full resumption of government services across the United States.

However, several obstacles remain. The deal must also pass the House of Representatives, and opposing Democrats could slow down the process.

In recent weeks, hundreds of thousands of government workers have gone without pay, and services across the country have been disrupted.