President Donald Trump expressed strong confidence that the ongoing US government shutdown is nearing its conclusion. Addressing reporters, he stated, ‘It looks like we’re getting very close to the shutdown ending,’ signaling a potential end to the federal funding lapse. News reports have surfaced suggesting a potential bipartisan compromise involving a group of eight centrist Senate Democrats, Senate GOP leaders, and the White House. This deal is rumored to involve reopening the government in exchange for a future commitment to vote on extending enhanced Affordable Care subsidies. President Trump highlighted his administration’s position, asserting, ‘We never agreed to give any substantial money, or any money to prisoners, illegals that come into our country.’ The proposed settlement aims to end the record-breaking shutdown by extending government funding through January via a stopgap measure, integrated with a more comprehensive funding bill for key federal agencies. Senate Republicans reportedly planned to bring the deal to a vote on Sunday evening, with the backing of at least eight Democratic senators. While key Democratic negotiators believe a compromise on healthcare subsidies will be reached in subsequent weeks, official Senate Democratic leadership has not yet confirmed support for the deal. House Democrats, however, have publicly denounced the reported agreement and plan to hold their own caucus meeting. The legislative path forward requires the Senate to pass an amended bill, which would then need to be approved by the House before being sent to the President for signature.
