US Congress searches for stopgap funding deal amid rancor

16/9/2024 19:10

        The U.S. Congress returns from a weekend recess on Monday and will attempt to broker a deal on legislation to temporarily fund a range of federal programs, with no clear path and just 15 days remaining before money runs out.
        
        Unless a stopgap spending bill is sent to President Joe Biden by midnight Sept. 30, the end of the current fiscal year, many agency operations will cease with thousands of federal workers furloughed for lack of funds.
        
        The Democratic-controlled Senate re-opens for business on Monday, while the Republican-controlled House of Representatives returns on Tuesday.
        
        Last week, House Speaker Mike Johnson had to abandon his attempt to pass a spending bill when it became clear that he did not have enough support for passage from his rank-and-file Republicans.