01:50 GMT
Ana Faguy
Reporting from Washington DC
The major sticking point for Democrats in this government shutdown battle was securing an extension on healthcare benefits for millions of Americans.
As part of the deal that was negotiated, Senate Majority Leader John Thune promised Democrats he would hold a vote on extending those healthcare benefits by the second week of December.
Thune spoke on the floor just before the Senate began voting to advance the first part of the deal.
“I’m thankful to be able to say we have senators, both Democrats and Republicans, who are eager to get to work to address that crisis in a bipartisan way,” Thune said.
“We also have a president who is willing to sit down and get to work on this issue. So I’m looking forward to see what solutions might be brought forward.”
Thune did not say exactly what that bill would contain.