Senate Republicans kick off marathon vote that could end government shutdown

The Senate kicked off a series of votes on Monday evening that could eventually resolve the record-breaking government shutdown, after Senate Majority Leader John Thune resolved a conflict with Kentucky GOP Sen. Rand Paul that held up deliberations.

The votes come after the upper chamber voted 60-40 on Sunday to approve a clean reconciliation bill passed by the House weeks ago, setting the stage for a final vote that would formally end the 40-day shutdown.

A coalition of about 10 Senate Democrats signaled that they will support moving the package of three appropriations bills, coupled with a short-term funding stopgap through the end of January. The deal would reportedly give backpay to many federal workers, but would not authorize the extension of enhanced subsidies through insurance companies for Obamacare.

Monday's activities include up to eight votes and began shortly before 6 p.m. Eastern. The government has been shut down since Oct. 1. 

If the Senate advances the legislation back to the House, the lower chamber could return to Washington as early as Wednesday. 

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.