The Senate voted 60-40 on Monday to pass legislation that would end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, which has lasted 41 days. The breakthrough came after five moderate Democrats joined Republicans to approve the bill, despite internal party criticism and unresolved demands over expiring health care tax credits. The House, which has been in recess since mid-September, is expected to reconvene and vote on the measure in the coming days. President Donald Trump expressed support for the legislation, indicating that the country would reopen swiftly.
In other developments, the FDA announced it will remove a long-standing warning label from hormone-based menopause drugs, a move supported by some medical professionals but criticized by others for its procedural shortcomings. Meanwhile, Trump has petitioned the Supreme Court to overturn a $5 million civil verdict in the E. Jean Carroll case, framing the appeal as resistance to partisan legal tactics. Additionally, eight Democratic senators faced backlash for supporting the shutdown compromise, with House Speaker Mike Johnson commending their decision to prioritize principle over party loyalty.