The Senate Democrats who voted with Republicans to reopen the government

The Senate took the first step toward reopening the government, thanks to eight senators willing to break rank with their Democratic colleagues.

The overwhelming majority of Senate Democrats opposed a vote to end the government shutdown on Sunday night, the 15th since funding lapsed on Oct. 1. That includes almost every member of Democratic leadership and many rank-and-file senators known for bipartisan cooperation.

Yet just enough voted with Republicans for the measure, a short-term funding extension, to clear the Senate’s filibuster.

SENATE TAKES FIRST STEP TO REOPEN GOVERNMENT, FUELING DEMOCRATIC SPLIT

Notably, Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), the minority whip, joined a list that is otherwise made up of rank-and-file members. He and Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), another “yes” vote, are retiring in 2026, making their decision

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