US shutdown to end? Trump says ‘getting close’ as Senate leaders reach deal for funding

US President Donald Trump on Sunday (Nov 9) said that the prolonged government shutdown was not getting close to the end very soon, signalling optimism as Senate leaders reach a deal for funding. This marks a major breakthrough after weeks of political stalemate, with mounting pressure amid economic disruptions that left many sectors paralysed.

“It looks like we’re getting close to the shutdown ending. You’ll know very soon," Trump told reporters.

CNN reported that Senate leaders have reached a deal for the funding of the federal government through January 30. The chamber is expected to hold a vote between 8:30 and 9 pm ET. The report added that at least eight Senate Democrats have agreed to support the temporary funding measure.

As Congress works to finalise the deal, the consequences of the shutdown still disrupt the country. Thousands of flights were cancelled on Sunday due to a 4 per cent cut to flights mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration to tackle the air traffic control staffing problems. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that air travel could be “reduced to a trickle” ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.

The current shutdown has been the longest in American history, surpassing the previous record set during the Republican president’s first term in the White House that lasted 35 days.

The shutdown has resulted in about 1.4 million federal workers, including air traffic controllers, national park wardens, remaining on enforced leave or working without pay. Meanwhile, some courts have been forced to use emergency funds to keep running, but warned that operations may be affected soon.

Earlier on Saturday (Nov 8), US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that the economic damage due to the shutdown was worsening. He said the situation was deteriorating “day by day,” as the prolonged disruption has started to undermine key sectors, delay public spending, and weaken financial stability.