Here’s what is known regarding Democratic senators who voted to end the government shutdown in November 2025. Direct answer
- A group of eight Democratic senators broke with their party to advance a stopgap funding measure aimed at reopening the government. This bipartisan move allowed the Senate to proceed toward a potential funding deal, though it drew significant backlash from many fellow Democrats who had favored maintaining the fight over ACA subsidies and related items. The eight included senators such as Tim Kaine, Jeanne Shaheen, Catherine Cortez Masto, Maggie Hassan, Dick Durbin, John Fetterman, and others, with some of them nearing retirement or not seeking re-election in 2026. The vote did not by itself guarantee a full reopening or a final bill, but it did advance the process toward a temporary funding agreement.
Context and implications
- The eight Democrats faced immediate criticism from their colleagues for breaking ranks, prompting discussions about party strategy and the balance between immediate government funding needs and broader policy objectives such as extending ACA subsidies. This situation highlighted tensions within the Democratic caucus between moderates and progressives, especially on how to handle a prolonged shutdown and what concessions to accept to reopen the government.
What to know next
- If you’d like, I can pull the latest, most specific roll-call list (including all eight names) and summarize each senator’s stated rationale and any announced political implications (re-elections, retirements, or future votes). I can also provide a side-by-side table comparing positions on ACA subsidies, spending levels, and timing of any votes.
