After a 40-day government shutdown, House lawmakers may soon return to Washington following a late Sunday breakthrough in the Senate. Speaker Mike Johnson urged immediate action, saying Monday that lawmakers should reconvene “right now” after a small group of Senate Democrats joined Republicans to advance legislation funding the government.

The Senate voted 60-40 to consider a compromise bill, ending a protracted stalemate. “The nightmare is finally coming to an end,” Johnson said at a news conference, calling for swift action. The House has been out of session since mid-September after passing its own government funding bill.

The legislation moves forward without a guaranteed extension of health care subsidies, frustrating many Democrats who want Republicans to negotiate on Affordable Care Act tax credits set to expire Jan. 1. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., promised a mid-December vote on the subsidies but gave no assurance of success.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York voted against the bill, joined by most of his caucus. “We will not give up the fight,” Schumer said, emphasizing Democrats’ commitment to health care protections.

Final passage could still be delayed if individual senators object. Concerns remain among some Republicans over provisions, including a measure championed by Sen. Mitch McConnell to restrict certain hemp-based products. Thune said he expects a resolution in “hours, not days.”

President Donald Trump has not confirmed whether he will sign the bill but indicated Sunday evening that an end to the shutdown is near.

The bipartisan deal includes three annual spending bills covering programs such as food aid, veterans’ services, and the legislative branch. It also reverses the mass federal worker layoffs initiated at the start of the shutdown and ensures back pay once the government reopens.

Five Democratic senators — Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire, Angus King of Maine, Tim Kaine of Virginia, and Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada — switched votes to support the legislation, the exact number Republicans needed to move the measure forward.

While moderates supported the deal, many Democrats, including Schumer and Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders, called it a “mistake,” criticizing the absence of health care reforms. House Democrats also voiced concern. Rep. Greg Casar, chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, described the deal as a “betrayal” for millions relying on Democrats to fight for affordable health care.

Looking ahead, the debate over ACA subsidies continues. Johnson noted House Republicans remain open to reforms but did not commit to a vote on the subsidies. Some GOP lawmakers argue for limits on eligibility and directing tax dollars through individuals, while others, including Trump, continue to call for the law’s overhaul or repeal.

The final end of the shutdown appears imminent, but the broader health care battle may extend into December.