Source: USDA and Politico

Breaking an impasse that threatened to divide the nation even further along ideological lines, President Donald Trump on Friday, Jan. 25, announced a deal had been struck to end the government shutdown and fund government operations in full through Feb. 15.

The agreement gives negotiators time to work out a larger immigration and border security compromise, Politico reports. The deal does not include funding for a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue released a statement after the news broke.

“President Trump’s announcement of the reopening of the federal government is welcome news, as it will bring thousands of our employees back to work and return us to our mission of providing our customers with the services they rely upon. I extend my sincere thanks to the thousands of USDA workers who stayed on the job during the shutdown to offer as many of our normal activities as we could. The President has already signed legislation that guarantees backpay for all employees, and we will move forward on that as soon as possible. Meanwhile, we will prepare for a smooth reestablishment of USDA functions.

 “There will now be sufficient time for Congress to come to an agreement with the President on his pledge to protect our national security by securing our southern border with a reliable, effective barrier.”