Washington: The US Senate has approved a bipartisan measure aimed at ending the 40-day federal government shutdown, sending the legislation to the House of Representatives for consideration.

The bill would fund most federal agencies through January and guarantee back pay for federal employees affected by the closure.

The compromise package was negotiated over the weekend by Democratic Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire, in coordination with Senate Republican Majority Leader John Thune and White House representatives.

At least eight Senate Democrats broke with their party to support the measure, allowing it to pass with 60 votes despite opposition from Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York, who cited concerns over ongoing healthcare issues, including

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