The United States Senate has appeared to move towards a deal to end the longest federal government shutdown in history.

Heading into its 41st day, Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune had expressed hope ahead of the weekend session that a funding deal could be reached with Democrats, who have been fighting to extend expiring healthcare subsidies as part of any agreement to reopen the federal government.

Senators were expected to vote late Sunday night to advance a house passed bill that would be amended to combine a short-term funding measure which would fund the government through January 2026.

The package includes three full-year appropriations bills.

Reports suggest that as part of the agreement, the Senate would agree to hold a separate vote later on the healthcare subsidies.

The shutdown has furloughed hundreds of thousands of federal workers, affected government services, food aid, parks and air travel with thousands of flights cancelled in recent days.

VIDEO| The US shutdown is also affecting air traffic and food stamps: