US Shutdown Nears End After Senators Reach Bipartisan Deal

US senators have reached a bipartisan agreement that will allow an end to the longest government shutdown in US history, which has been ongoing for about 40 days. The partial government shutdown began a month ago due to a lack of agreement in Congress on funding for government services.

President Donald Trump hinted at an imminent solution to the problem in a conversation with journalists: "It seems we are approaching the end of the shutdown. You will know about it very soon."

The cause of the shutdown was intense disagreements between Democrats and Republicans. Democrats demanded the cancellation of cuts to the "Medicaid" program and the extension of tax credits for health insurance, while Republicans refused to compromise. As part of the compromise reached, Senate Majority Leader John Thune has promised to put the issue of medical subsidies to a vote in December.

The agreement also provides for the reinstatement of federal employees furloughed during the shutdown and compensation for their salaries.

Since October 1, about one and a half million public servants and military personnel have been on unpaid leave or working without pay.

This is the first step towards restoring government operations. After being approved in the Senate, the bill must pass the House of Representatives before being presented to President Trump for his signature.