Deal Reached Advancing Spending Bills to Avert New Govt. Shutdown

A deal was reached Thursday to advance a major package of federal spending bills that would avert a government shutdown for most agencies beginning Saturday, according to a Senate Democrat leadership aide cited by Reuters.

The agreement would split the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding bill from the broader package and fund DHS at current levels for roughly two weeks while negotiations continue.

President Donald Trump said Thursday afternoon that he was working hard with Democrats to reach a deal and warned that a shutdown could slow the U.S. economy.