Government Shutdown Over and Debt Ceiling Deal Reached

After hours of stuttering negotiations between Democrats and Republicans, the U.S. Senate is said to be close to a deal over raising the debt limit. There is a deal to reopen the government and avoid a potential default on the debt.

The plan developed by the two leaders — Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) — would open the government until Jan. 15 and extend the debt ceiling through Feb. 7.

After a weak opening on Tuesday, Wall Street opened slightly up on Wednesday, an indication that the markets are optimistic about a last-minute deal and that the U.S. government will resume normal service.

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