Associated Press
Spending deal averts a possible federal shutdown and funds the government into December
Congressional leaders announced an agreement Sunday on a short-term spending bill that will fund federal agencies for about three months, averting a possible partial government shutdown when the new budget year begins Oct. 1 and pushing final decisions until after the November election. Temporary spending bills generally fund agencies at current levels, but an additional $231 million was included to bolster the Secret Service, and additional money was added to replenish a disaster relief fund and aid with the presidential transition, among other things. At the urging of the most conservative members of his conference, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., had linked temporary funding with a mandate that would have compelled states to require proof of citizenship when people register to vote.