Congress Averts Government Shutdown, Nears COVID-19 Relief Deal

Congress passed a two-day stopgap measure Friday to avoid a midnight government shutdown, as negotiations continue over a COVID-19 relief bill. The House of Representatives passed the stopgap with a 320-60 vote, and the Senate unanimously approved it shortly after; President Donald Trump must now offer his final approval. Lawmakers will reconvene Sunday afternoon about possibly attaching a $900 billion stimulus package to the $1.4 trillion bill that officially funds the government. Congressional leaders on both sides previously said they would through the weekend if necessary. Coverage in some left-rated outlets was less optimistic about a deal, with some juxtaposing coverage of congressional negotiations with coverage of Americans’ deepening economic struggles. Coverage in right-rated outlets was sparser and focused more on the negotiations. Updated 12/18/20 at 7:59 p.m. ET