Article snippet: Senate leaders on Tuesday said they are close to a two-year budget deal that could avert a government shutdown and set up a debate on immigration reform next week. The deal would set spending levels for fiscal 2018 and 2019 and avoid the prospect of a second government shutdown Thursday when a stopgap spending measure expires. Senate Majority Leader MORE (N.Y.) touted their progress after meeting in McConnell’s office Tuesday morning. “I’m optimistic that very soon we’ll be able to reach an agreement,” McConnell told reporters, predicting that another shutdown this week is very unlikely. “I don’t think that’s going to happen,” McConnell said of a possible shutdown. “I think we’re on the way to getting an agreement and on the way to getting an agreement very soon.” Schumer said he also expected a deal soon that would set higher spending levels for defense and nondefense programs. Schumer said some “outstanding issues” remain, but stressed he is “very hopeful” for a deal. One issue could be House Democrats. Schumer won’t sign off on a final deal unless Minority Leader MORE (D-Calif.) supports it, and the legislation will need the backing of House Democrats to get through that chamber, according to Democratic aides. Pelosi is under pressure from members of her caucus to get a commitment from Speaker MORE (R-Wis.) on a House vote to protect immigrants brought to the United States as children who could face deportation beginning next month. In the Senate, McConnel... Link to the full article to read more