Democrats in the U.S. Senate have signaled their readiness to move forward with a package of bills aimed at ending the ongoing government shutdown, according to multiple sources cited by Axios. The sources indicated that at least 10 Democratic members intend to support a procedural motion that would allow for the advancement of a package of spending bills, along with a short-term temporary funding measure for the federal government. Sources from both parties added that the expected deal would include a vote on extending the tax exemptions related to the healthcare program launched under former President Barack Obama, next December. President Donald Trump attacked the Democrats, confirming that the United States is officially experiencing the longest government shutdown in the country's history and blaming the Democrats for it. During a meeting with Republican senators at the White House, Trump stated: 'The government shutdown is now officially the longest in American history.' He added: 'The Democrats are acting suicidally and they are destroying our country.. and I don't think they are getting the blame they deserve.' He warned that the government shutdown is affecting several sectors such as the stock market and airlines, stressing, 'We must stop the government shutdown by all means.' On Sunday, the U.S. government shutdown entered its 40th day, even as senators remained in Washington for a grueling weekend session in hopes of finding an end to the funding fight that has disrupted flights across the country, threatened food aid for millions of Americans, and caused federal employees to go without pay.
