Senate moves toward ending the longest shutdown in U.S. history, but millions are still waiting for paychecks

Published on January 12, 2026
2 minute read

After thirty-two days of stalled negotiations, shuttered offices, and mounting anger, the United States Senate has finally advanced a funding bill aimed at reopening the federal government. It’s a glimmer of hope at the end of the nation’s longest shutdown — but for millions of federal workers, the relief is still days, or even weeks, away.