The U.S Senate has passed a crucial funding bill that could end the longest government shutdown in American history within days.
The measure was approved late Monday in a 60-40 vote, with nearly all Republicans joining eight Democrats who broke ranks with their party. The deal will fund the government until the end of January.
The House of Representatives must now pass the bill before President Donald Trump can sign it into law. Trump had earlier indicated his willingness to approve the measure.
The agreement came after weekend negotiations, where some Democrats joined Republicans to restore pay for federal employees and reopen essential government services.
Republicans, who hold a 53-47 Senate majority, needed at least 60 votes to pass the bill. The Democrats who voted in favour include Dick Durbin, John Fetterman, Catherine Cortez Masto, Maggie Hassan, Tim Kaine, Jackie Rosen, and Jeanne Shaheen. Independent senator Angus King from Maine, who caucuses with the Democrats, also supported the bill.