Senate Majority Leader John Thune Says Shutdown-Ending Deal “Nearly Ready” Markets Watch Closely

WASHINGTON D.C. The Senate may be on the verge of ending the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history. Senate Majority Leader John Thune announced that bipartisan discussions have produced a deal that is “nearly ready” to be put to a vote. 

Thune, a Republican from South Dakota, told reporters that the negotiations have advanced to the stage where a Senate vote is expected imminently. He noted that lawmakers “want to bring this shutdown to an end” and that “this kind of stuff can drag on indefinitely if you allow it to.” 

Why This Matters

The shutdown, which began on October 1, has already covered over 40 days, making it the longest in recorded U.S. history. Its effects have rippled through federal services, from delayed economic data and curtailed SNAP benefits to air-travel disruptions and unpaid federal workers. A deal could signal relief for millions of Americans and send positive signals to financial markets.

In terms of relevance, phrases such as “government shutdown deal nearly ready November 2025” and “John Thune says shutdown deal end imminent” are gaining traction among investors and policy watchers alike.

What the Deal Might Include

Reports suggest the emerging agreement would feature:

• A stop-gap funding measure to reopen the government and cover federal operations through January 2026. 

• Advance passage of full-year appropriations for key departments such as Agriculture, Veterans Affairs, Military Construction and the Legislative Branch. 

• A commitment to hold a future vote on extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium subsidies, a major point of contention between parties. 

Thune emphasised that the reopening plan does not hinge on healthcare negotiations being resolved first; rather, the funding bill must pass first with other policy items to follow.

Market Implications

Ending the shutdown could be a bullish catalyst for the markets. Investors have been wary as economic data releases were paused, federal employee paychecks delayed, and consumer confidence shaken. A reopening reduces those uncertainties.

• Liquidity boost: Once federal funds flow again, spending, wage payments and supplier contracts resume, lifting growth expectations.

• Data clarity: Government economic data (jobs, GDP, manufacturing) will restart helping markets assess conditions accurately.

• Sentiment improvement: A resolution sends a message of policy stability, which often precipitates risk-on behavior in equities and other assets.

Risks and Next Steps

While the deal is “nearly ready,” there are still hurdles:

• House approval required: The Senate deal must still be matched by a House vote and signed by the President. 

• Healthcare stalemate remains: ACA subsidy extension is unresolved; if negotiations stall post-reopening, friction could arise.

• Implementation timing: Immediate reopening doesn’t erase the damage done; economic drag may persist for months.

• Market expectations: If markets price in a rebound and reopening is delayed, sentiment could sour.

FAQs

Q1: Who said the deal to end the shutdown is nearly ready?
Senate Majority Leader John Thune announced that a bipartisan deal is “nearly ready” and a vote could occur soon. 

Q2: What will this deal cover?
The deal would fund the government through January 2026 and include appropriations for key agencies, while deferring the ACA subsidy vote to a later date. 

Q3: Why is ending the shutdown bullish for markets?
Because it restores government spending, improves data flow, and boosts investor confidence key elements for risk-on market behavior.

Q4: Are negotiations over ACA subsidies resolved?
No debates over extending ACA premiums continue, but they are not blocking the immediate reopening deal. 

Q5: What must happen next for full reopening?
The Senate must vote the package, the House must approve it, and the President must sign it into law. 

Q6: What could still derail the deal?
Potential derailments include the House refusing the Senate package, divided party support, new demands arising mid-process, or the reopening being delayed.