Democratic, Republican Senate Leaders Reach Deal on Funding Government to Avoid Shutdown

US Congress has until midnight on Friday to pass a measure that would keep the federal government funded. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said that the debate and the vote on the measure would take place on Thursday.

Democratic and Republican leaders in the US Senate have agreed on a deal to continue funding the federal government and avoid the shutdown.

"This is a good compromise that allows an appropriate amount of time for both parties in both chambers to finish negotiations on appropriations," Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said, commenting on the deal.

The measure now has to be passed by the House of Representatives. Should it happen, the Senate will have to vote on the bill funding the government through 18 February before sending it to the desk of President Joe Biden.

"We need to pass it and that's what we'll be working toward doing," Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said when asked about the Republicans' stance on passing the measure.

McConnell also said that there will be no government shutdown, as "that makes no sense."

Congress has until midnight on Friday to pass the continuing resolution that Schumer and McConnell agreed on. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said the debate and vote would take place on Thursday.

This is not the only deadline faced by Congress, as it has to take action on the debt ceiling with the federal government nearing its $28.9 trillion borrowing limit. The US Treasury Department earlier estimated that it could reach its limit to extend this limit in the middle of December – something that could potentially lead to a default.

The resolution extending government funding through February appears to be a victory for Republicans in the negotiations, as it indicates that the spending will remain on levels established during Donald Trump's presidency.

Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Rosa DeLauro said, however, that the Democrats have also reached some of their goals, particularly the inclusion of a $7 billion provision for Afghanistan evacuees.