Congress rushes to approve final package of spending bills before shutdown deadline
The race is on for Congress to pass the final spending package for the current budget year and push any threats of a government shutdown to the fall
WASHINGTON (AP) — Lawmakers are racing Friday to pass the final spending package needed for the current budget year, a long overdue action that will set funding for federal agencies and push any threats of a government shutdown to the fall.
With spending set to expire for several key federal agencies at midnight Friday, the House and Senate are expected to take up to spare a $1.2 trillion measure that combines six annual spending bills into one package. More than 70% of the money would go to defense.
Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., is bringing the bill up under a streamlined process that requires two-thirds support for approval.
“It will pass. We're whipping the bill and I expect a good number," Johnson said, referring to how leadership rallies support for a bill.
