The U.S. Congress has passed a short-term funding deal to keep the federal government operating, averting an immediate shutdown as a critical deadline approached. The measure now heads to the White House, easing near-term uncertainty for federal agencies and workers.
The agreement, approved after intense negotiations, extends government funding temporarily while lawmakers continue talks on a broader budget package. Leaders in both parties acknowledged the deal was a temporary solution, buying time but leaving major disputes unresolved.
Debate over spending priorities is expected to intensify in the coming weeks, with sharp divisions over defense funding, domestic programs, border security, and fiscal restraint. Some lawmakers criticized the stopgap measure for delaying tough decisions, while others argued it was necessary to prevent economic disruption.
A government shutdown would have resulted in furloughs for hundreds of thousands of federal employees and disruptions to public services, raising concerns across financial markets and among government workers.
Congressional leaders said negotiations on a long-term budget framework would continue, but warned that further brinkmanship remains possible as deadlines approach.
For now, the funding deal provides temporary relief, even as Washington braces for another round of contentious budget battles.
