As the U.S. government shutdown enters its 40th day, senators are scrambling to finalize a deal that could end the protracted stalemate. Key Democrats have signaled willingness to support a bipartisan plan, raising hopes for a breakthrough.
Negotiations intensified over the weekend, with lawmakers working through Sunday to resolve disputes over funding and policy concessions. The prolonged shutdown has left federal employees without paychecks, heightening urgency for a resolution.
While optimism grows, questions remain about when back pay will reach affected workers and whether the Senate can secure enough votes to pass the agreement today.
- The U.S. federal government shutdown has now reached its 40th day, with senators working through a rare Sunday session to negotiate a potential deal.
- Senate Majority Leader John Thune confirmed plans for a vote on a funding package, signaling progress in bipartisan talks to reopen the government.
- Key Democrats have shown willingness to support a Republican-backed plan, raising hopes for an imminent resolution to the prolonged shutdown.
- Federal workers impacted by the shutdown await clarity on when back pay will be disbursed once funding is restored.
Government shutdown day 40: Will senators finally reach a deal today?
As the U.S. government shutdown enters its 40th day, intense negotiations continue in the Senate to resolve the stalemate. Key Democrats have signaled willingness to compromise on a spending bill, while Republicans push for immediate pay restoration for federal workers. The longest shutdown in history has left 750,000 employees furloughed or working without pay since early October.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer stated: “We’re closer than ever to a resolution, but critical differences remain regarding border security funding.” The proposed deal reportedly includes partial funding for border walls alongside DACA protections, though details remain fluid.
What’s holding up the deal?
The primary sticking points include:
- Border security funding levels
- Payroll processing timelines
- Emergency disaster relief allocations
- Duration of the new continuing resolution
When will back pay start for federal workers?
While the Senate rejected earlier GOP proposals for immediate pay restoration, the emerging compromise includes retroactive pay within 5 business days of the government reopening. Payroll systems at major agencies like IRS, TSA and National Parks Service are prepared to process backpay quickly once authorized.
However, financial experts warn that workers shouldn’t expect full backpay immediately – most will receive partial payments first, followed by the remainder over subsequent pay periods. Those who took on temporary work during the shutdown may face complex tax implications.
Backpay timeline estimates
| Agency | Projected Processing Time |
|---|---|
| TSA | 3-5 days |
| IRS | 7-10 days |
| National Parks | 10-14 days |
How will this shutdown affect midterm elections?
The prolonged shutdown is reshaping political landscapes nationwide. Polls show voters blaming both parties roughly equally, though Republicans have seen slightly more disapproval. Analysts suggest the crisis could motivate higher turnout among federal employees and contractors in 2026.
Notably, 17 vulnerable House Republicans have broken ranks to demand immediate reopening, while progressive Democrats face pressure from activists to hold firm on immigration demands. The political fallout may linger longer than the shutdown itself.
What happens to food stamps and WIC during shutdown?
Nutrition assistance programs face unprecedented strain as the shutdown continues. While SNAP benefits were distributed early in November, February allocations remain uncertain. The WIC program—serving women, infants and children—has nearly exhausted contingency funds in 23 states.
Food banks nationwide report 40-60% increases in federal employee visitors since October. Many USDA inspectors continue working without pay, raising concerns about food safety oversight during peak holiday cooking seasons.
Can government contractors expect back pay too?
Unlike federal employees, contractors have no guarantee of backpay under current proposals. janitorial, food service and IT support workers employed through third parties face permanent income loss from the shutdown. The Congressional Budget Office estimates contractors have already lost $2.3 billion in wages.
Some Democratic senators are pushing for contractor relief provisions, but these face stiff Republican opposition and likely couldn’t pass as standalone legislation. Legal experts suggest affected workers may have recourse through breach of contract lawsuits against their employers.
Will air travel get worse if TSA callouts increase?
TSA sick calls have risen to 8.1% nationally—more than double the usual rate—as unpaid officers struggle with financial stress. While major airports haven’t seen catastrophic delays yet, Thanksgiving travel could become chaotic if the shutdown continues. The FAA has already reduced air traffic control staffing at 5 major facilities.
Aviation experts warn that safety risks increase proportionally with prolonged understaffing. Several unions have threatened coordinated sickouts if pay isn’t restored before November 20, potentially stranding holiday travelers.
Most affected airports
- Dallas/Fort Worth – 12% callout rate
- Newark Liberty – 9% callout rate
- Chicago O’Hare – 8.5% callout rate