WASHINGTON (AP Oct 16, 2013) — Democratic leader Harry Reid says Senate leaders have reached a bipartisan deal to avoid default and end the government shutdown, now in its 16th day.
 
     Reid made the announcement at the start of the Senate session on Wednesday.
 
     The deal would reopen the government through Jan. 15 and increase the nation’s borrowing authority through Feb. 7.

 White House spokesman Jay Carney says the deal reached by Senate leaders “achieves what’s necessary” to reopen the government, remove the threat of default and move past brinksmanship.
 
     Reid thanked Republican leader Mitch McConnell for working out an agreement.

 Speaker Boehner says House won’t block vote on bipartisan Senate deal on budget.