WASHINGTON – The longest-ever government shutdown is on the verge of ending, as food aid benefits are in limbo and flight cancellations and delays disrupt travelers .

The U.S. Senate on Sunday took the first big step toward voting on a bipartisan deal reached between some Democrats, Republicans and President Donald Trump 's White House that would fully reopen the government until Jan. 30.

The agreement would also keep various other federal programs, including for food stamps and veterans' benefits, funded through next year.

The decision by a group of moderate Senate Democrats to defect from the rest of their party marked the biggest turning point since the shutdown began on Oct. 1 - and it's causing them some immediate political blowback .

For weeks, pain has been steadily

See Full Page