Enough Democrats expected to vote with Republicans to end shutdown: Sources

The Senate is gearing up for a crucial test vote that could potentially end the ongoing government shutdown. The vote, scheduled for Sunday night, will determine whether there is enough bipartisan support to reopen the government, even without an extension of Obamacare subsidies that Democrats have been pushing for.

According to multiple Senate sources, the proposed plan includes funding extensions until Jan. 31 for various government agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Despite the lack of agreement on healthcare provisions, a senior Democratic senator expressed confidence that there will be sufficient Democratic votes to pass the bill.

While most Senate Democrats are expected to oppose the bill, they have acknowledged that the fight over healthcare subsidies may need to be deferred until the midterm elections. Democrats are prepared to highlight Republicans’ inaction on addressing rising healthcare costs for millions of Americans.

To move the bill forward, at least 60 votes are required, with the need for additional Democratic support. If passed in the Senate, the bill would still require approval from the House of Representatives before reaching President Donald Trump’s desk.

The Senate aims to make several modifications to the bill, including extending the expiration date to the end of January and attaching full-year funding bills for key government sectors. These modifications are crucial for ensuring the government’s operations until the end of the fiscal year.

Although the bill’s passage would not immediately reopen the government, it marks a significant step towards resolving the shutdown. Senate leaders are optimistic about the potential for bipartisan cooperation in reaching a consensus on the funding bill.

In conclusion, the Senate’s upcoming vote signifies a pivotal moment in the efforts to end the government shutdown. The proposed plan, if approved, could pave the way for crucial funding extensions and set the stage for further negotiations on key issues.ABC News’ Jonathan Karl contributed to this report.