In a significant development, the US Senate has passed a deal to end the ongoing government shutdown, which has persisted for 40 days, marking the longest shutdown in US history. The agreement was reached after negotiations led by Senate Majority Leader John Thune, with support from a minority of Democrats and Republicans. The deal includes funding for various federal agencies and guarantees that federal employees will be compensated for their time during the shutdown. However, it has faced criticism from some Democratic leaders who argue that it does not sufficiently address the healthcare crisis, a key concern for many lawmakers. The agreement will need to pass through the House of Representatives, where it may encounter further challenges. If approved, it will provide funding until January 30, 2024, but could set the stage for another potential shutdown early next year.