US government shutdown vote: Senate reaches deal to pass spending bill, says Chuck Schumer

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The Independent US

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer has said he has reached a deal with Republicans to end the government shutdown. 

“After several discussions, offers and counteroffers, the Republican leader and I have come to an arrangement. We will vote today to reopen the government to continue negotiating a global agreement,” Mr Schumer said.

Soon after, the Senate voted 81-18 to advance a short-term spending bill to fund the government for another three weeks. 

Earlier on Monday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell promised to take up an immigration bill that includes protections for undocumented migrants brought to the US as children – the so-called “dreamers”.

Mr Schumer said this pledge was enough for Democrats to agree to help end the government shutdown. 

If senators fail to reach a deal on immigration by February 8 as part of an agreement on a larger budget, the Senate will then take up a separate immigration measure.

“The process will be neutral and fair to all sides,” Mr Schumer added.

Once the Senate officially approves the short-term spending bill on Monday, it will then head to the House of Representatives.

Last week, the House approved a bill to fund the government for four weeks – a measure that the Senate rejected, sending the US government into a shutdown at midnight on Friday. 

House Republicans seem to be almost united in their support for the Senate’s similar three-week government funding plan.