US lawmakers reach deal to avoid imminent government shutdown
- Speaker defies conservative calls for shutdown, but parts of government still face March deadline
- The threat of government shutdowns and disruptions are a regular feature of US politics
Congressional leaders reached a last-minute deal to avoid a disruptive US government shutdown, setting up another clash with ultraconservatives who swiftly blasted the agreement.
The deal would provide one week of temporary funding to avert a March 2 partial shutdown and fund parts of the government through September 30.
The remainder of the US government, including the Defence and Homeland Security departments, would still face a potential March 23 shutdown.
Hardline Republicans condemned the deal, with congressman Ralph Norman of South Carolina telling Bloomberg TV’s Balance of Power that it is “an insult to the American people”.
But all signs point to Speaker Mike Johnson ultimately defying his right flank and compromising to keep the government open.
