The Senate has passed legislation to reopen the government on Monday (10 November), bringing the longest shutdown in history closer to an end after a small group of Democrats struck a deal with Republicans. The shutdown could last a few more days as members of the House, which has been on recess since mid-September, return to Washington to vote on the legislation. Sen. John Thune, Senate Majority leader said: “This has been a very long road. Quite literally, the longest shutdown in history. I am very, very happy to be able to say that we are coming to the end.”

The record shutdown is now in its 39th day and has affected everything, from food aid to air travel.

The Senate may be close to an agreement to fund the government and end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.