Senate Democrats announced Thursday they’ve reached an agreement to advance a package of bills designed to prevent a partial government shutdown. The deal, reached after negotiations, paves the way for votes on legislation aimed at funding the government and avoiding disruption to federal services.

The agreement specifically addresses the Department of Homeland Security, which faced the prospect of being significantly impacted by the potential shutdown. Details of the specific funding levels and policy provisions within the bills were not immediately released, but Democratic leaders expressed confidence that the package will receive the necessary support to pass.

A partial government shutdown would have affected a range of federal agencies and programs, impacting services from national parks to air traffic control. The agreement represents a significant development in ongoing budget negotiations, which have been marked by partisan disagreements over spending priorities. While the agreement represents a crucial step, it still requires formal votes in both the Senate and the House of Representatives before it can be enacted into law. The timeline for these votes remains to be seen, but Democratic leaders are working to expedite the process to ensure government funding is secured before the deadline.