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US Congress lines up stopgap bill to avert partial government shutdown

The U.S. Congress is currently working on a stopgap funding bill to prevent a partial government shutdown as the deadline for the current fiscal year approaches. This temporary measure, known as a continuing resolution (CR), aims to extend funding for federal agencies whose appropriations have not yet been finalized. The urgency stems from the need to avoid disruptions in government services, particularly as several key appropriations bills remain unresolved. House Speaker Mike Johnson has proposed a "laddered" CR, which would extend funding for some agencies until January 19, 2024, and others until February 2, 2024. This approach has met with mixed reactions, with some Democrats expressing concerns over the staggered deadlines potentially leading to multiple shutdown threats. Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has indicated openness to a straightforward CR to maintain government operations while negotiations continue. The situation underscores the ongoing challenges in budget negotiations and the potential for political maneuvering as the deadline looms.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-us/politics/government/us-congress-lines-up-stopgap-bill-to-avert-partial-government-shutdown/ar-AA1w4nqW ]