Washington: After weeks of political stalemate that plunged the United States into its longest-ever government shutdown, a breakthrough appears imminent. US President Donald Trump on Sunday signaled that an agreement to reopen the government was “very close,” as bipartisan negotiations gained momentum in the Senate.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, President Trump said, “It looks like we’re getting very close to the shutdown ending. We never agreed to give any substantial money—or any money—to prisoners or illegal immigrants entering our country. I think the Democrats understand that, and you’ll know the outcome very soon.”
According to a CNN report citing senior congressional aides, a coalition of eight moderate Senate Democrats has reached a preliminary deal with Senate Republican leaders and the White House. The agreement reportedly aims to restore government operations in exchange for a future vote on extending enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, a key Democratic demand.
The proposed plan includes a short-term stopgap funding measure that would keep federal agencies running until January while a broader spending package is finalized. The Senate is expected to take up the vote late Sunday night, between 8:30 and 9 p.m. Eastern Time, CNN reported.
The bipartisan discussions were reportedly brokered by three centrist former governors now serving in the Senate—Jeanne Shaheen (New Hampshire), Angus King (Maine), and Maggie Hassan (New Hampshire)—alongside Senate Majority Leader John Thune and White House officials.
While the deal does not immediately guarantee the renewal of enhanced health care subsidies, Democrats involved in the talks are optimistic that Republican leaders in both chambers will revisit the issue in upcoming negotiations.
Senate Democratic leadership has yet to officially endorse the compromise, with sources indicating that closed-door discussions extended late into Sunday night. Meanwhile, House Democratic leaders have criticized the proposal, arguing that it fails to address broader funding priorities and the protection of social programs.
