WASHINGTON — The Senate began voting Sunday night on a deal to end the longest-ever U.S. government shutdown amid mounting pressure for Congress to act as Americans cope with withheld food stamps and canceled flights weeks before the holidays.

The breakthrough came when a group of Senate Democrats relented from their long-held policy demands involving health care and struck an agreement with congressional Republicans and President Donald Trump 's White House.

At least eight Democrats have signaled they'll vote in favor of the negotiated deal, which includes reversals of federal layoffs , a promised vote in the future on expiring Obamacare subsidies , and fully reopening the government through Jan. 30.

The government has been shut down for a record-breaking 40 days so far

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