In 60-40 tally, coalition of Democrats break from their party and vote with Republicans, enraging many in their caucus * US politics live – latest updates The Senate on Monday advanced a funding package that is expected to bring to a close the longest government shutdown in US history, after a coalition of Democrats broke from their party and voted with Republicans, in a move that has enraged many in their caucus. The procedural vote passed in a 60-40 tally, with seven Democrats and one independent joining all Republicans to advance a compromise deal that would fund most federal agencies through January. The Senate will now vote on the funding package itself, which would then need to go to the House for approval. The new agreement does not directly address the expiring tax credits for healthcare premiums, the issue at the center of the 40-day stalemate between Democrats and Republicans, though the Senate majority leader John Thune has promised a Senate vote later this year on the subsidies. Continue reading...

The president will visit the state Friday, a week after the devastating flooding in Texas' Hill Country that has killed more than 100 people.

Protesters decry the “absolute lawlessness, corruption and cruelty” of the Trump administration.