The longest government shutdown in U.S. history appeared to be nearing its end, as a group of Democratic senators joined with Republicans to move forward with a funding bill to end the 39-day impasse.

Earlier in the day, a group of moderates — Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Sen. Angus King (I-ME) — reached a deal to extend government funding through January, as well as on three other annual spending bills. Five other Senate Democrats joined them in ensuring passage of a procedural vote that paves the way for ending the shutdown.

The plan includes a promise of a vote on the health care subsidies by December.

Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA), who had voted against the government funding proposal, said in a statement before Sunday’s vote that the deal “guarantees a vote t

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