Senate, of shutdown
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Senate advances funding measure with backing of 8 Democrats, moving a step closer to ending shutdown
On Day 40 of the shutdown, eight Democrats joined Republicans in advancing a government funding measure, after 14 previous votes fell short.
The government shutdown neared its end on Sunday as the Senate cleared the first series of votes, with final House approval and President Donald Trump's signature still required.
The US Senate, the upper house of the United States Congress, has now voted to end the US government shutdown. As a result of a bipartisan effort, the Senate voted with a 60-40 majority to break the gridlock.
Senators Elizabeth Warren and Edward J. Markey issued statements criticizing the agreement which does not guarantee the Affordable Care Act subsidies will be extended, as Democrats have demanded for almost six weeks.
Republicans say any vote on extra Obamacare subsidies would come only after the Senate resumes funding. The president has his own ideas to redirect the health insurance money.