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Kaine breaks with Democrats to back deal ending shutdown, securing protections for federal workers
U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia broke with most Senate Democrats to support a bipartisan agreement to end the prolonged federal government shutdown, arguing that reopening the government was essential to protect Virginia’s large federal workforce. The deal would restore fired federal employees, guarantee back pay, and block further layoffs through January 30, 2026, while also promising a future Senate vote on extending Affordable Care Act premium tax credits—an issue many Democrats wanted resolved before reopening the government. Kaine said the protections for federal workers justified advancing the measure despite criticism from within his party that Democrats were conceding too much without securing the ACA subsidies upfront.