Senate advances funding package expected to end longest US government shutdown

In 60-40 tally, coalition of Democrats break from their party and vote with Republicans, enraging many in their caucusUS politics live – latest updatesThe Senate on Monday approved a funding package that is expected to bring to a close the longest government shutdown in US history, after a coalition of Democrats broke from their party and voted with Republicans, in a move that has enraged many in their caucus.The vote passed in a 60-40 tally, with seven Democrats and one independent joining all Republicans to advance a compromise deal that would fund most federal agencies through January. The agreement, which next goes to the House for approval, does not directly address the expiring tax credits for healthcare premiums, the issue at the center of the 40-day stalemate between Democrats and Republicans, though the Senate majority leader John Thune has promised a Senate vote later this year on the subsidies. Continue reading…