Published on: November 10, 2025, 07:47h.
Updated on: November 10, 2025, 07:47h.
- Nevada Senators Jacky Rosen and Catherine Cortez Masto defy party lines to resolve the federal government shutdown
- Both senators turn their attention to extending ACA healthcare tax benefits
In a significant turn of events on Sunday night, the US Senate approved a temporary funding bill with a 60-40 vote, breaking through a 14-vote gridlock that failed to secure the 60 votes necessary for advancing a government spending bill. Nevada’s representatives played a crucial role in ensuring the passage of this key legislation, effectively ending a six-week federal government shutdown.
The continuing resolution passed late Sunday night is derived from House Resolution 5371, previously approved by the House in September. This revised bill secures federal funding through January 1, with plans for a later vote to potentially extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax benefits expiring in 2026.
If this funding plan receives approval from the House, it will reopen the federal government as well as its nonessential agencies, restore SNAP benefits, and enable back pay for essential federal workers who have been serving since October 1.
Current online prediction markets display a greater than 99% likelihood of the US government reopening this year, with indications that the shutdown may be resolved this week.
Casino-State Senators Cast ‘Yes’ Votes
To pass spending bills, Congress requires a three-fifths majority. Kentucky’s Republican Senator Rand Paul opposed the continuing resolution, citing his concerns over what he perceives as excessive government spending. With Republicans controlling 53 seats in the Senate, including Paul, they struggled to garner eight additional votes.
On Sunday, they succeeded, with Nevada’s Democratic Senators Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen among those who voted in favor. These senators represent Las Vegas, the nation’s gaming and entertainment hub.
“For the past 40 days, I have worked tirelessly to hold President Trump and my Republican colleagues accountable, ensuring Congress acts to prevent drastic increases in healthcare costs that could financially devastate millions of hardworking families. It’s become evident as we delve deeper into the Republican government shutdown that President Trump and Washington Republicans are wielding their power in alarming ways to inflict suffering on working families, including completely cutting off SNAP benefits and crippling our tourism sector by halting air travel,” stated Rosen.
Rosen mentioned that her “concession” in voting ‘yes’ moves Congress closer to extending the Affordable Care Act tax credits.
“I have always voted against government shutdowns because I understand the hardship they impose on working families, from TSA agents to government contractors. We must extend the ACA enhanced premium tax credits, but that should not come at the cost of the millions affected by the shutdown,” added Cortez Masto.
Other Democrats supporting the Senate measure included Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (NH), Maggie Hassan (ME), Tim Kaine (VA), Dick Durbin (IL), John Fetterman (PA), and Independent Senator Angus King (ME).
Resumption of Travel
A significant reason behind Cortez Masto and Rosen’s support for the Senate funding proposal was likely the end of the shutdown, which allows the FAA to lift a recent directive limiting airline flight operations. This order had been instituted due to staffing shortages among air traffic controllers.
Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs) are essential federal workers. However, some have opted to stop reporting for work in favor of temporary employment that provides regular income to meet their financial obligations.
Tourism in Las Vegas has suffered this year, with visitor numbers declining by approximately 8%. Additionally, passenger traffic at Harry Reid International Airport has seen a nearly 5% drop.