Democrats and Republicans in the Senate have brokered an agreement to reopen the U.S. federal government, Fox News reported, potentially ending a shutdown that has persisted since October 1.
Senate Republican leaders introduced a three-bill “minibus” spending package Sunday in a renewed bid to restart government operations.
Earlier, it was reported that the Senate was poised Sunday night to approve a deal that would keep federal agencies funded through the end of January, following weeks of negotiations. At least eight Democratic caucus members are expected to support the proposal, providing 61 votes—just above the 60-vote threshold required to advance the measure.
The bipartisan arrangement, once approved by the Senate, must also secure passage in the House of Representatives and receive President Donald Trump’s signature before the government can officially reopen.
Despite ongoing gridlock over the extension of expiring Obamacare subsidies, appropriators proceeded with the release of the minibus package on Sunday. Lawmakers now await the legislative text of a new continuing resolution (CR), which, if enacted, would keep federal operations running until late January.
Republican legislators hope that the minibus package will help accelerate the broader appropriations process and resolve the longest government shutdown in recent years.
