WASHINGTON—Centrist senators racing to strike a deal to end the government shutdown expressed optimism Sunday that they were close to an agreement — but it was unclear whether they would be able to secure the support of leadership to end the impasse. Many Democrats have demanded their futures be addressed as part of any spending deal — even on a temporary basis. “Today would be a good day to end it.”Outside the Senate, the pressure for a deal was building. The Senate rejected a House-passed bill late Friday that would have kept the government funded through Feb. 16. Read more:Bad timing: Shutdown spoils Trump’s 1-year festivitiesGovernment shutdown looms larger as Democrats show ‘very strong’ sentiment against Republican billHouse Republicans huddled briefly Sunday afternoon.

Source: thestar January 21, 2018 17:26 UTC