The U.S. Senate has taken steps to reach a short-term deal to avert a government shutdown. The proposed deal would fund government operations through February 8th.
Lawmakers are looking to pass a long-term spending bill, but the deadline would provide additional time for negotiations.
The short-term agreement was announced by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky. The Senate is expected to vote on the deal on January 22nd.
The two parties have been at an impasse over funding for President Donald Trump’s proposed border wall. The president has threatened to shut down the government if funding for the wall is not included in the spending bill.
Democrats have declared that they will not support funding for the wall. However, McConnell has indicated that the short-term funding bill will not include any wall funding.
It remains to be seen whether this agreement will be successful in avoiding a government shutdown. However, if successful, it will prevent a significant disruption in federal services and operations.
