Thune Says Deal to Reopen Government Is ‘Coming Together’

By The Vagabond News — November 10, 2025
Byline: The Vagabond News Editorial Desk

Senate Leader Says Deal to Reopen Government Is ‘Coming Together’

Gearing up for a breakthrough

John Thune, the Senate Majority Leader, struck an optimistic tone Sunday as he indicated that a legislative package to end the prolonged federal shutdown is “coming together.” (The Washington Post)
He affirmed that senators plan to hold a vote as early as Sunday on a funding measure that would reopen the government through January, while also moving ahead with full-year appropriations bills. (CBS News)

What’s in the proposed deal

The emerging compromise includes:

A stop-gap measure extending government funding through late January. (Hindustan Times)
Three full-year appropriations bills packaged alongside that extension. (The Washington Post)
A separate, later vote on expiring health-insurance subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), rather than immediately linking them to the reopening bill. (Reuters)

Hurdles remain

Despite Thune’s upbeat remarks, significant obstacles persist:

The measure must clear the Senate (requiring 60 votes) and then the House, before being signed by Donald Trump to take effect. (Reuters)
Many Senate Democrats are demanding immediate inclusion of ACA subsidy extensions — something Republicans, and Thune in particular, insist will be negotiated only after the government is reopened. (AP News)
Voting intentions remain fluid; while some Democrats may break ranks to end the shutdown, a “critical mass” is not yet confirmed. (The Washington Post)

Why the urgency

Having entered its sixth week, the shutdown is now the longest in U.S. history. (The Washington Post) The fallout includes flight cancellations due to air-traffic staffing issues, delayed food-aid payments, and mounting economic stress. Thune noted the risk of letting the impasse “drag on indefinitely.” (CBS News)

What to watch

Whether the Senate vote happens Sunday as planned, and how many Democrats cross the aisle.
The House’s response if the Senate advances the package.
Whether the separate ACA-subsidy vote pledge satisfies Democratic concerns or fuels further resistance.
The readiness of federal agencies and workers to resume full operations upon passage.

Bottom line

Thune’s pronouncement that a deal is “coming together” signals a significant shift from stalemate to potential resolution. But with complex negotiations still underway and high stakes for federal workers, social programs and the broader economy, success will rest not only on legislative text—but also on political will and the capacity for compromise.