An end to the record-breaking United States government shutdown is one step closer after the Senate voted in favour of ending the stalemate.
The shutdown, which has lasted for 40 days, is the longest in U.S. history, breaking the previous record from 2019, with both shutdowns occurring under Trump administrations.
However, today the Senate has voted to end the shutdown at 60-40, after a deal was reached with a key group of eight Senate Democratic centrists and Senate GOP leaders.
The sixty votes included eight Democrats who crossed the floor to vote with Republicans and support the funding package, which will now go back to the House of Representatives to be passed for a second time.
Finally, the bill will be sent to President Donald Trump for his signature.
The Senate adjourned until tomorrow, and will resume at 11 am on Monday, local time.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said it “remains to be seen” when the Senate will be able to vote on final passage on a measure to reopen the government, but that he hopes it can be sent to the House for a vote right away and then passed completely by early this week.
