First glimmer of hope as Senate moves toward ending government shutdown

WASHINGTON —

The Senate has taken its first real step to end the government shutdown, nearing its seventh week, as seven Democrats broke with their party to support a new compromise.

The Senate conducted a test vote on compromise legislation to fund the government, which includes a future vote on extending Affordable Care Act tax credits set to expire on Jan. 1.

Healthcare subsidies are the reason Democrats have kept the government shut down.

The compromise legislation would reverse the Trump administration's mass firings of federal workers that took place when the shutdown began and would ensure federal workers receive back pay.

Even though the agreement does not guarantee healthcare subsidies will be extended, Democratic Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan of New H