Senate Democrats eye exit from record-breaking shutdown amid escalating pressure and optimism

Senate Democrats are eyeing a possible exit from the record-breaking government shutdown as pressure mounts, despite lawmakers on both sides remaining cautiously optimistic that an end is near. Negotiations continue between Senate Democrats and Republicans over their differing stances on border security funding and other issues. The shutdown has lasted for 35 days, affecting hundreds of thousands of federal workers. A deal may be close, but a formal agreement remains elusive.