The question of when is the next vote to reopen the government remains top of mind as the U.S. federal government shutdown drags on. The most recent available information indicates that the next floor vote in the U.S. Senate on legislation aimed at reopening the government is scheduled for Monday, October 27, 2025, when the Senate reconvenes in the afternoon.
Current Status of the Shutdown
- The shutdown began on October 1, 2025, after Congress failed to pass an appropriations bill or continuing resolution to fund federal agencies.
- It has stretched into its fourth week with no breakthrough in negotiations.
- The Senate has held multiple votes on the House-passed continuing resolution and failed each time to secure the 60 votes needed to advance.
- Both parties remain at an impasse: Democrats are demanding inclusion of extended health care subsidies; Republicans insist on a “clean” continuing resolution first.
Details on the Next Vote to Reopen the Government
- With the Senate out of session for the weekend, the next notable floor action is set for Monday, October 27, 2025, when the Senate returns at 3 p.m. ET.
- While a vote is expected, leadership has not definitively committed to a specific vote date or time beyond this reconvening.
- The House remains out of session with no votes scheduled this week, which means even if the Senate acts, the process may stall if the House is not prepared.
- In recent weeks, the Senate has also scheduled votes on narrower measures (for example, paying federal employees during the shutdown) separate from the full funding resolution.
Why the Vote Matters
By asking when is the next vote to reopen the government, we highlight the significance:
- A successful vote would allow federal agencies to resume operations, end furloughs of many civilian workers, and lift disruptions affecting federal services.
- It would reduce economic uncertainty tied to the shutdown and signal progress in Washington.
- Under current Senate rules, 60 votes are required to invoke cloture on the measure; Republicans hold 53 seats and must attract Democratic support to advance the bill.
- The timing of the vote signals whether leadership believes a deal is coming—or if the shutdown will continue into its fifth week.
What to Watch For
Key factors in assessing when is the next vote to reopen the government:
- Senate schedule: Watch whether the resolution is placed on the calendar when the Senate reconvenes Monday afternoon.
- House participation: Whether the House returns and stands ready to act is critical for the process—if they remain out of session, the Senate vote alone won’t reopen the government.
- Policy concessions: Democrats insist on linking funding to an extension of health-care tax credits for millions of Americans; Republicans say that blocks action.
- Vote count shifts: Whether any Senators break ranks will signal movement, which could determine the timing of a successful vote.
- Public pressure: As the shutdown drags on, the cost to federal employees, contractors, and services may increase pressure to act.
Outlook: When Is the Next Vote to Reopen the Government?
In short: when is the next vote to reopen the government appears to be Monday, October 27, 2025 in the Senate under current scheduling. But it’s not guaranteed. Leadership may delay or adjust the date depending on whether enough support materializes and whether the House is ready to participate. Given the repeated failure of past votes, this upcoming vote will serve as a key milestone to gauge whether the shutdown might finally end or stretch further.
Until then, federal workers, contractors, and the American public wait—and the next vote looms as one of the few clear markers of when the government might reopen.