Negotiators seek ‘breakthrough’ under deadline for a Senate vote

The Senate is expected to hold a procedural vote at 1 a.m. Monday on a three-week stopgap measure to reopen the government.

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Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) had warned earlier that he would force a procedural vote if senators could not reach an agreement. Absent a deal, 1 a.m. is the earliest the Senate would be able to hold such a vote.

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said he thinks negotiators could be close to a breakthrough, but immigration issues are still a sticking point.

“I think there will be a breakthrough tonight. If there’s going to be one, it’s going to be tonight,” he told reporters. “We’re going to agree to fund the government through Feb. 8 with the understanding we’re going to work on all the outstanding issues, including immigration, which is a give for Mitch McConnell. And if we can’t find a resolution hopefully we’ll turn to immigration in an open process.”

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) said discussions are ongoing under “a hard stop later this evening with a vote.”

If the Senate passes the bill in the wee hours of Monday morning, the House could end up with a long night after waiting around all day Sunday.

House GOP leaders gave their rank-and-file a simple message in a brief conference meeting Sunday afternoon: Hang tight.

“Waiting on the Senate,” said House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mac Thornberry (R-Texas) with a shrug. 

“We’re going to wait and see what the Senate does and when they do it and if they do something. And if they do, and we’re able to come back, we will basically come back immediately,” said Rep. Chris Collins (R-N.Y.).

The quick huddle showed the confidence among House Republicans in their position to hold out on negotiating on immigration until the government shutdown is ended.

“Our conference is united that we will not negotiate right now. Would we entertain an offer? We certainly will, and then we can say ‘yes’ or ‘no,’ ” said Republican Study Committee Chairman Mark Walker (R-N.C.).

— Updated 4:11 p.m.