A bipartisan accord to reopen the U.S. government and avoid a debt default is taking shape in the Senate, as potential U.S. insolvency looms and the federal shutdown enters a third week.
House and Senate Republicans are expected to meet Tuesday to discuss a potential deal that could end the government shutdown and raise the debt ceiling.
After a day of talks Monday, both Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Republican Senate Leader Mitch McConnell expressed optimism that a deal could be reached.
Reid told reporters late Monday that there was "tremendous progress" toward a deal. He cautioned that Congress is "not there yet," but predicted Tuesday could be a "bright day."
McConnell said he shares Reid's optimism.
Any deal would have to be approved by both the House and the Senate before being signed by the president.