The record-breaking 41-day federal government shutdown has finally met its end. But for progressive politicians and activists, the relief is overshadowed by what they are calling a massive 'betrayal' of the Democratic party's base. The US Senate approved a bipartisan stopgap funding bill late on Monday night, a measure designed to reopen federal agencies and stabilise critical social programmes. However, the legislation passed with a margin that sent shockwaves through the progressive movement: 60–40, secured only after eight Democrats, along with Independent Angus King of Maine, crossed the aisle to join Republicans.
The immediate relief of a reopened government comes at a high political cost, according to critics, who accuse moderate Democrats of caving in without securing key progressive demands. The bill simply funds the government at existing spending levels through 30 January 2026, and only provides full-year appropriations for military construction, veterans' affairs, the legislative branch, and agriculture.
