government shutdown

After tense talks in the Oval Office, congressional leaders said they were hopeful they could reach a deal to avert a partial government shutdown on Friday. But they appeared divided on Ukraine aid.

Lawmakers are juggling must-pass items, like addressing the nation's borrowing authority and an annual defense authorization package, along with major political priorities for Democrats.

President Trump's signature, even after his bashing of the legislation, puts an end to uncertainty over when millions of Americans will receive the economic relief provided in the massive bill.

President Trump has introduced a round of Christmas chaos that imperils direct payments to millions of Americans suffering due to the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

As congressional leaders negotiate, other lawmakers are demanding more details. Plus, Democrats are objecting to a push by some Senate Republicans to limit emergency lending rules.

House lawmakers passed a one-week spending measure to thwart a government shutdown before a Friday deadline. It now heads to the Senate, with hopes lawmakers reach a bigger deal this month.

The legislation passed hours before current funding levels were set to expire. With government funding resolved, it's unclear whether both chambers can come together on a coronavirus relief package.

The measure includes a last-minute agreement with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Republicans over aid for farmers. The Senate needs to vote on the resolution and send it to President Trump.

Congress has approved two major spending bills to fund the federal government through September 2020. The package heads to the president's desk for his signature.

The agreement would fund programs through the end of September 2020 and avoid a government shutdown. Federal agencies run out of money at midnight on Dec. 20.