The US Senate is close to reaching an agreement to reopen the government.

Some Democratic senators are signaling their willingness to vote to reopen the government if they secure some final crucial concessions from the White House. This is a sign that a major breakthrough, potentially ending the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, may soon occur.

Citing sources familiar with the negotiations, CNN reported that the new agreement would include a temporary measure to extend the government budget until January, along with a larger budget package to fully fund several key agencies.

The larger bill will include three full-year budget allocation bills, relating to military buildup and veterans' issues, the legislature, and the Department of Agriculture. This includes $203.5 million in new funding to enhance security and protection for members of Congress, in addition to $852 million for the Capitol Police, according to a brief provided by Senator Patty Murray, head of the Democratic budget allocation team, on the legislative budget bill.

However, the new agreement will not include extending subsidies under the expiring Affordable Care Act (ACA) – a key Democratic demand and a sticking point in previous votes – but will ensure a Senate vote on the issue at a later date.

Sources indicate that Democrats believe President Donald Trump's hardline stance against extending ACA subsidies will hinder any real chance of reaching a bipartisan agreement on the issue. Therefore, some party members are willing to accept addressing the issue separately later, in order to end the escalating government shutdown crisis.

According to sources, several key issues remain to be resolved before the government can reopen. The most important of these is the Democratic Party's demand to reinstate federal employees who were fired by the Trump administration.

Two sources told CNN that there may be a reversal of some of the job cuts implemented during the federal government shutdown.

It remains unclear when the votes will take place, as final negotiations are underway behind the scenes. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has hinted that the initial vote could take place as early as evening on November 9 (Washington D.C. time).

First, the Senate will vote on the temporary measure approved by the House, meaning eight Democratic senators are needed for the bill to pass. Then, the Senate will amend the bill with a larger funding package that has been negotiated between the two parties.

If the bill passes the Senate, it will have to return to the House for final approval before being sent to President Trump's desk to reopen the government. This process could take several more days.