With their government contracts in limbo, small businesses await a historic shutdown's end

NEW YORK (AP) — The end of the would be a relief for small businesses that depend on federal contracts or funding. For seven weeks, they've been reducing spending, weighing layoffs and looking for stable work while trying to reach shuttered government offices, according to several contractors.

are returning to Washington on Wednesday to vote on compromise legislation that would fund the government through Jan. 30. A majority of Democrats are expected to vote against the bill, which is likely to win approval in the Republican-led chamber.