President Donald Trump has announced that the US government shutdown is likely to end soon. ‘It looks like we’re getting very close to the shutdown ending,’ Trump told reporters, suggesting a resolution is imminent. His statement follows reports of a tentative agreement reached by a bipartisan group of senators and the White House. This deal, reportedly backed by at least eight centrist Senate Democrats, aims to end the record-breaking shutdown. In exchange for reopening the government, the agreement includes a promise of a future vote on extending enhanced Affordable Care subsidies. Trump highlighted his steadfast refusal to fund prisoners or undocumented immigrants as a key point in the negotiations. The proposed plan involves a stopgap measure to fund the government until January, integrated with a more comprehensive bill for agency funding. The Senate was expected to vote on the agreement on Sunday night, after negotiations involving several senators and White House officials. While the deal doesn’t secure the extension of healthcare subsidies, Democrats involved believe future negotiations will lead to a compromise. Senate Democratic leaders were engaged in internal discussions, and House Democratic leaders have expressed strong disapproval of the proposed terms. The pathway to reopening government involves Senate approval of a House bill, followed by amendments with the negotiated package, before returning to the House for a final vote and presidential signature.
