Debt Deal Spreads Relief, Smiles Between Warriors

WASHINGTON — The debt limit deal is breaking the partisan cold snap on Capitol Hill — at least for now.

The Senate's top party leaders, Democrat Harry Reid and Republican Mitch McConnell, rushed to the Senate floor Sunday evening to announce that they had struck a tentative agreement with House leaders and President Barack Obama two days before an Aug. 2 default deadline.

Then they took off their microphones, stepped into the aisle between their desks, grinned and shook hands. McConnell grasped Reid's elbow.

Reid left the floor with his second-in-command, Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin, whispering and clearly relieved. Out in the hallway, asked how they were feeling, Reid gave a thumbs-up and Durbin said, "Great."

Lawmakers meet with their caucuses Monday to get a final signoff on the framework.