Nevada’s Rosen and Cortez Masto Join Senate in Deal to End Shutdown, Critics Call It More Washington Waste

After 40 days of gridlock, the Senate voted 60–40 to advance a continuing resolution that would temporarily reopen the federal government. Among those voting “yes” were Nevada’s two Democratic senators, Jacky Rosen and Catherine Cortez Masto, both aligning with a bipartisan group that negotiated the deal alongside the White House.

While the agreement provides short-term relief, it raises familiar questions about Washington’s chronic spending habits and political brinkmanship. The proposal funds major departments, including the Department of Agriculture and Veterans Affairs, through September 2026, while keeping the rest of the government afloat until January 30. For many conservatives, it’s another stopgap fix instead of a long-term plan for fiscal restraint and accountability.

Rosen’s support came after weeks of hesitation. She previously resisted backing Republican proposals to reopen the government, citing disputes over Affordable Care Act tax credits. Her vote followed growing pressure from Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo, who urged her to prioritize working families over political grandstanding. In a fiery statement after Sunday’s vote, Rosen blamed Republicans and former President Trump for the shutdown’s impact on SNAP benefits and travel disruptions—a talking point that critics say sidesteps Congress’s own failures to manage spending responsibly.

Cortez Masto, meanwhile, has consistently voted to end shutdowns, arguing that keeping government closed harms workers and contractors. Yet her comments also framed the resolution as an opportunity to “restore funding President Trump cut” and advance Democratic priorities.

The deal ensures that over 4,000 federal employees initially slated for layoffs will remain on the payroll and prevents additional job cuts through January. It also guarantees a vote on extending ACA premium tax credits, one of the key demands from Senate Democrats.

Republicans needed five Democratic votes to move the bill forward, ultimately gaining eight. As the final roll call closed, Sen. John Cornyn of Texas arrived to cast the decisive 60th vote.

Supporters say the measure is necessary to stabilize government operations during ongoing negotiations for a full 2026 budget. Critics, however, warn that it’s yet another example of Washington punting tough fiscal decisions down the road. Conservatives argue that until Congress enforces meaningful spending limits and accountability measures, Americans will continue to suffer from political theater disguised as progress.

Credit: Original reporting by Las Vegas Review-Journal