WASHINGTON (Sputnik) – The spokesman explained that Obama and his advisers are still reviewing budget legislation – known as a continuing resolution – that Congress is considering as a way to fund government operations through April 28. However, the president hasn’t decided yet if he will sign or veto the resolution if it passes Congress.
"I’m not making any predictions, but I certainly hope that we’ll be able to avoid a government shutdown," Earnest told reporters.
For the legislation to clear both the Senate and the House of Representatives, Earnest said, a compromise will have to be worked out between congressional Democrats and Republicans.
The House is expected to begin debate on the continuing resolution on Thursday, with the goal of having the Senate pass it before Friday’s expiration of current government-funding legislation.