Talks to end the government shutdown intensify as federal closure is on track to become longest ever

"Signs of a potential end to the government shutdown intensified Tuesday with behind-the-scenes talks, as the federal closure was on track to become the longest ever disrupting the lives of millions of Americans. Senators from both parties, Republicans and Democrats, are quietly negotiating the contours of an emerging deal. With a nod from their leadership, the senators seek a way to reopen the government, put the normal federal funding process back on track"

"With SNAP benefits interrupted for millions of Americans depending on federal food aid, hundreds of thousands of federal employees furloughed or working without pay and contracts being delayed, many on and off Capitol Hill say it's time for it to end. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy predicted there could be chaos in the skies next week if the shutdown drags on and air traffic controllers miss another paycheck."

Senators from both parties are negotiating a bipartisan deal to reopen the government, restore the regular federal funding process, and resolve expiring health insurance subsidies that are raising premiums nationwide. The shutdown entered day 35 and was set to become the longest in history, disrupting SNAP benefits, furloughing or leaving unpaid hundreds of thousands of federal employees, and delaying contracts. Transportation officials warned of possible air-traffic disruptions if controllers miss pay, and labor unions pressured lawmakers to act. Election Day presented a political inflection point with state and municipal races seen as potential catalysts. A Senate test vote failed as Democrats rejected a temporary funding bill.

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