Senate holds first vote toward ending government shutdown

The Senate has taken a step toward ending the prolonged government shutdown, with seven Democrats supporting a compromise to fund the government and address healthcare subsidies.

The Senate has taken a step toward ending the prolonged government shutdown, with seven Democrats supporting a compromise to fund the government and address healthcare subsidies. 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 go