Lawmakers make deal to end FAA shutdown

On Thursday, congressional leaders struck a deal to end a partial shutdown of the Federal Aviation Administration.  A partisan debate halted airport projects and put thousands of jobs in jeopardy.

The shutdown began on July 22, has centered on disputes over funding the agency through the middle of September. 

For nearly two weeks, federal ticket taxes were not collected, slashing revenues for aviation programs.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said in a statement:  "I am pleased to announce that we have been able to broker a bipartisan compromise between the House and the Senate." 

The deal will be finalized on Friday with the approval of the spending measure passed by the U.S. House of Representatives.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood called the agreement a "tremendous victory" for workers.

During the partial shutdown, nearly 4,000 FAA positions were placed on furlough.