The Hill News

The Wisconsin state assembly has reach an agreement to cut off debate on GOP Gov. Scott Walker's budget fix bill and hold a vote later Thursday.

The Associated Press reported Thursday that state lawmakers will likely vote on the proposal that would force public employees to pay some of their pension and healthcare benefits and would limit their collective bargaining rights. 

The controversial measure has sparked massive protests by public employee unions and their supporters that have consumed the state capital for over a week and captured the attention of the national media.

The measure is expected to pass the assembly, where Republicans have a 60-38 advantage over Democrats, and put the bill up for consideration in the state sena! te. 

Fourteen Democratic senators have fled the state for Illinois to boycott the legislation. Without a quorum, the Senate cannot take up the bill.

The deal was announced at around 6 a.m. on Thursday after debate in the assembly lasted 40 hours. The deal would cut off debate around noon on Thursday.