US gov’t to reopen as Senate leader announces bipartisan budget deal

Reporters surround Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nevada, as he leaves the Capitol office of his Republican counterpart, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentuck., in Washington, Monday, Oct. 14, 2013. Reid said Wednesday, Oct. 16, that a deal had been reached with Republican leaders to end a fiscal impasse that has threatened the United States with default. AP PHOTO/J. SCOTT APPLEWHITE

WASHINGTON—Democratic leader Harry Reid said Senate leaders have reached a bipartisan deal to avoid default and end the government shutdown, now in its 16th day.

Reid made the announcement at the start of the Senate session on Wednesday.

The deal would reopen the government through Jan. 15 and increase the nation’s borrowing authority through Feb. 7.

Reid thanked Republican leader Mitch McConnell for working out an agreement.—Donna Cassata