Washington, D.C. – Congressional leaders have reached an agreement on a short-term funding bill that would prevent a government shutdown, according to sources familiar with the deal. The bill, known as a continuing resolution, would provide funding for the government through March 1 and March 8. The current funding deal, which took effect in November, funds some federal departments through January 19, and others through February 2.
The agreement is expected to be briefed to House Republicans by House Speaker Mike Johnson on Sunday evening. The text of the bill will be released on Sunday night, as confirmed by a spokesperson for Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
This would be the third short-term spending deal reached by Congress since September. Budget negotiations between Democrats and Republicans have been challenging, with Republicans advocating for significant spending cuts. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer accused some lawmakers of wanting a government shutdown, describing their views as extreme and an attempt to bully Congress and the country.
Schumer and Johnson previously reached an agreement to set overall government spending at $1.66 trillion for fiscal year 2024, including $886 billion for defense spending and $772 billion for non-defense spending. Despite efforts by some hardline House conservatives to change the spending agreement, it will remain in place.
In conclusion, Congressional leaders have reached an agreement on a short-term funding bill that would avert a government shutdown. The bill, which will fund the government through March 1 and March 8, is the third short-term spending deal reached since September. Budget negotiations have been challenging, with Republicans seeking spending cuts. The agreement is expected to be released on Sunday night.