Eight Democrats broke ranks and sided with Republicans in a step toward reopening the federal government. The US Senate has approved a bipartisan deal to end the federal government shutdown, clearing a major hurdle after more than five weeks of political deadlock. The shutdown furloughed hundreds of thousands of workers, disrupted key public services, and rattled the wider economy.
In an initial test vote late Sunday night—the first in a series of procedural steps—the Senate voted 60-40 to advance a compromise bill. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said it “remains to be seen” when the chamber will be able to vote on the final passage of the measure to reopen the government, though he hopes it will pass early this week.
The agreement was hammered out after intense talks between a small group of Republican and Democratic negotiators, who faced mounting pressure from business leaders, governors, and frustrated federal employees. The bill provides back pay for furloughed workers and aims to restore government operations swiftly.
https://www.sott.net/article/502884-US-Senate-advances-bill-to-end-government-shutdown