after nearly a record-breaking period of federal government shutdown, there are signs for the first time on Monday that the US Congress may end the shutdown. Senate Republican and Democratic leaders discussed possible "exit strategies" to resolve the current deadlock. The 34-day standoff between Congress and Trump has led to a series of federal projects being put on hold, including assistance to low-income Americans, payment of US soldiers' salaries, and airport operations. The new fiscal year began on October 1, but legislation providing funds for such activities has not been passed. Thousands of federal employees are now on unpaid leave, and this battle has also put on hold around $1.7 trillion of discretionary funds, which accounts for about one-third of the total annual US spending. Since October 1, Senate Republican and Democratic groups have held several sporadic private meetings seeking a way to resolve this deadlock that has been troubling Washington, but have so far failed to reach a final agreement.