Deal to end government shutdown forming in Senate

After more than one month of gridlock, the U.S. Senate appears on the cusp of a deal that would end the federal government shutdown, with a procedural vote tentatively scheduled for Sunday. 

A coalition of around 10 Senate Democrats has signaled they will support moving forward with a package of three appropriations bills, coupled with a short-term funding stopgap through the end of January.  

The deal also reportedly includes a December floor vote on extending the expanded pandemic-era Affordable Care Act tax credits for one additional year as well as language aimed at reversing the federal layoffs carried out during the shutdown. 

Senators were asked to return to the Capitol for a rare weekend session, as the text of the proposed bills were released on Sunday afternoon.  

While negotiations are ongoing and no agreement has been finalized, the movement appears to be the most significant progress toward a bipartisan resolution that would reopen the government. 

If the Senate advances the measure, it would clear the way for a full vote.