U.S. Congress approves stopgap funding bill to avert gov't shutdown
Xinhua, April 29, 2017 Adjust font size:
U.S. Congress on Friday approved a stopgap funding bill to avert government shutdown and leave lawmakers another week to work out spending details through Sept. 30.
The Senate passed the stopgap bill by voice vote without opposition after the House earlier approved it by a vote of 382-30.
The bill prevents a government shutdown, as the current funding will expire on Friday night.
It will keep the government open until the end of May 5, and give lawmakers more time to reach agreement on a larger bill that will provide funding for the rest of the current fiscal year which ends Sept. 30.
"It (the bill) will carry us through next week so that a bipartisan final agreement can be reached and so that members will have time to review the legislation before we take it up," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said.
Lawmakers still have disagreements over issues, including extension on healthcare for miners, help for Puerto Rico, environmental and financial regulations, as well as border security spending. Enditem