US Senators say they are close to reaching a deal that would end the government shutdown a raise the debt limit until mid-February 2014

US Senators say they are close to reaching a deal that would end the government shutdown a raise the debt limit until mid-February 2014. However, lawmakers are racing against the clock to get a deal done before October 17, the projected date at which the US runs out of money. Any deal would also have to pass the House, where Republicans are linking any deal with changes in the healthcare law which Democrats refuse to accept. Some Republicans are worried about the political effect of the current standoff hurting their chances in upcoming mid-term elections next year, with their disapproval rating at 74% compared to Obama's at 53%. If a deal is passed without alteration to the healthcare laws, it would be a clear retreat by the Republicans which have so far refused to agree to any deal without these changes. (VIEW LINK)