Another Government Shutdown? Here's Why This Keeps Happening
For the past 20 years, Congress has relied more on temporary measures to keep the government running.
LEARN MORECongress Just Passed A Bill To Avoid A Government Shutdown — For Now
Congress now has until May 5 to pass a longer-term government funding bill.
Congress Just Passed A Bill To Avoid A Government Shutdown — For Now
Getty Images
April 28, 2017
Congress has officially passed a stop-gap spending bill to keep the government up and running — for at least one more week.
On Friday, the House and the Senate voted to approve the spending bill, which keeps the government funded until May 5.
Lawmakers had until midnight to pass the bill — when the previous funding bill expired.
A shutdown would have closed national parks and monuments, furloughed thousands of government employees and delayed tax refunds.
This stop-gap bill buys Congress a little more time to negotiate a larger spending bill to fund the government through the end of September.
Republicans and Democrats are still butting heads over several key issues, including policy restrictions on abortion, benefits for coal miners and funding for Puerto Rico.
But both parties have agreed on increased funding for the military and border security.
The stop-gap bill will now make its way to President Donald Trump's desk for his signature.
3:53
Rep. Ilhan Omar removed from Foreign Affairs Committee
The removal of Rep. Ilhan Omar, (D) Minnesota, from the committee stems from a 2019 tweet that was condemned by Republicans.
By APState of the Union 2023 viewing guide
Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders is expected to give the GOP's response to the address.
By J. Scott Applewhite / AP2:46
Biden, McCarthy meet face-to-face on debt crisis worries
McCarthy had all but invited himself to the White House to start the conversation before a summer debt deadline.
By Susan Walsh / APTop Stories
2:39
US added a strong 517,000 jobs in January despite Fed hikes
Companies are still seeking more workers and are hanging on tightly to the ones they have.
By Robert F. Bukaty / AP3:10
Minus-60 wind chills expected for some states this weekend
When wind chills reach minus 25, frostbite can occur in 15 minutes.
By Tony Gutierrez / APMortgage rates fall for 4th consecutive week
The average rate for a 30-year mortgage dropped slightly by 0.04% to 6.09%.
By John Raoux / AP