President Barack Obama on Wednesday praised congressional leaders for reaching a deal to reopen the government and lift the debt ceiling.
"Once this agreement arrives on my desk, I will sign it immediately," Obama said.
Obama said the government would begin to reopen "immediately."
"I'm eager to work with anybody.. on any idea that will grow our economy, create new jobs, strengthen the middle class and get our fiscal house in order for the long term," Obama said. "I've never believed that Democrats have a monopoly on good ideas.. I'm convinced that Democrats and Republicans can work together to make progress for America."
"Hopefully next time, it won't be in the 11th hour," Obama said. "We've got to get out of the habit of governing by crisis."
The bill, unveiled by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) earlier in the day, funds the government through January 15 and lifts the debt ceiling through February 7.
Obama spoke shortly after the bill passed the Senate by a 81-18 vote.
