The U.S. Senate is preparing to vote on a bill aimed at ending the federal government shutdown, which has now reached its 40th day, marking the longest shutdown in U.S. history. Senators are scheduled to vote on Sunday night to advance a bill that was previously passed by the House of Representatives. This bill will be amended to include a short-term funding measure that would keep the government operational until January 2026, along with three full-year appropriations bills, according to Senate Majority Leader John Thune.

If the Senate passes the amended package, it will then need to go back to the House for approval before being sent to President Donald Trump for his signature. This process could take several days to complete.

Senate Democrats have been hesitant to support the funding measure, seeking to pressure Republicans into agreeing on healthcare reforms. These reforms would include extending expiring subsidies under the Affordable Care Act. As part of the negotiations, the Senate is expected to hold a separate vote later on the healthcare subsidies.

Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal expressed his opposition to the funding measure, stating, "I am unwilling to accept a vague promise of a vote at some indeterminate time, on some undefined measure that extends the healthcare tax credits." Despite his stance, he indicated that there might be enough Democratic support to pass the funding measure.

The outcome of the Senate vote could significantly impact the ongoing government shutdown and the future of healthcare funding in the U.S.