Dive Brief:

The Senate took a key step on Sunday towards ending the longest government shutdown in history, voting 60-40 to move forward on a spending agreement that does not include an extension of more generous Affordable Care Act subsidies.

Eight Democrats broke with their party to vote with Republicans, arguing that the shutdown had become too harmful to the American people. The defections were met with anger from some of their colleagues, given preserving the subsidies was Democrat’s chief demand in shutdown negotiations.

Along with funding the government through January, the deal would also ensure furloughed federal workers receive back pay and that employees laid off during the shutdown will regain their jobs. Both chambers have to pass the agreement and President Donald Trum

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