WASHINGTON — In a brief statement from the White House Wednesday night, President Obama welcomed the apparent success of a deal that is expected to reopen the government and raise the nation's debt limit.
"Once this agreement arrives on my desk, I will sign it immediately. We'll begin reopening our government immediately," Obama said. "And we can begin to lift this cloud of uncertainty and unease from our businesses and from the American people."
Obama spoke after the Senate voted on a fiscal deal worked out by Senate leaders Wednesday. The deal is expected to reach the House later Wednesday night.
Obama promised longer remarks Thursday (scheduled by the White House for 10:35 a.m. ET after he left the White House podium), but in his remarks after the Senate vote he again called on Washington to turn to immigration and other issues now that the fiscal fights are over.
"We still need to pass a law to fix our broken immigration system. We still need to pass a farm bill," Obama said. "And with the shutdown behind us and budget committees forming, we now have an opportunity to focus on a sensible budget that is responsible, that is fair, and that helps hardworking people all across this country."