The U.S. Senate made a huge step toward reopening the government on Sunday night when several Senate Democrats gave in and joined Republicans in their effort to adopt a new proposal to end the closure.

As the day went on, it became more and more evident that the shutdown, which was now in its 40th day, would be coming to an end. This was especially true when senators revealed a bipartisan bundle of spending bills that they intend to attach to a modified plan to reopen the government.

Eight Democrats in the Senate voted with Republicans to end the shutdown, which was the first stage in the GOP’s plan. Continues…