Senators on Tuesday signaled they are closing in on a deal to break the weeks-long stalemate on disaster aid.

Sen. Richard Shelby Richard Craig ShelbySenate GOP eyes early exit Dems discussing government funding bill into February GOP short of votes on Trump's controversial Fed pick MORE (R-Ala.), chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, indicated negotiators were making progress. Asked how far they were from an agreement, Shelby held his fingers a couple of inches apart.

“It’s closer than I think it’s been ... in weeks,” he told reporters.

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Sen. Patrick Leahy Patrick Joseph LeahyDemocrats shoot down talk of expanding Supreme Court Battle over timing complicates Democratic shutdown strategy Hillicon Valley: Russia 'amplifying' concerns around mail-in voting to undermine election | Facebook and Twitter take steps to limit Trump remarks on voting | Facebook to block political ads ahead of election MORE (Vt.), the top Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, told reporters on Tuesday that they were close to a deal.

The development comes as negotiators have struggled for weeks amid multiple political and policy hurdles.

The Senate’s disaster relief bill fell apart in April after President Trump Donald John TrumpBiden on Trump's refusal to commit to peaceful transfer of power: 'What country are we in?' Romney: 'Unthinkable and unacceptable' to not commit to peaceful transition of power Two Louisville police officers shot amid Breonna Taylor grand jury protests MORE knocked Puerto Rico’s handling of previous disaster recovery money.

But other challenges have emerged, including a fight with the White House over port funding, which is important to Shelby, as well as talk about adding in the administration's request for $4.5 billion in emergency border funding.

Shelby indicated on Tuesday that some issues remain unresolved. As of Monday evening, they had not resolved the port fight or whether to include the border money.

Senators want to pass a disaster aid package before they leave Washington for a weeklong Memorial Day recess. The House passed a $17.2 billion supplemental disaster relief bill on Friday in a 257-150 vote that included 34 Republicans.

Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer Chuck SchumerCruz blocks amended resolution honoring Ginsburg over language about her dying wish Senate Democrats introduce legislation to probe politicization of pandemic response Schumer interrupted during live briefing by heckler: 'Stop lying to the people' MORE (D-N.Y.) on Tuesday appeared optimistic about the prospects for a deal.

“I’m encouraged that Republicans have moved in our direction when it comes to disaster in Puerto Rico," he said. "I hope that we can find agreement soon."