US Congress passes short-term funding bill to avoid government shutdown

A temporary funding measure that would keep the government open past a midnight deadline should make its way to President Barack Obama on Wednesday with time to spare.

The House voted 277-151 for the funding bill. It did not defund Planned Parenthood as far-right conservatives have demanded.

The vote comes just days after House Speaker John Boehner made the surprise announcement that he would be stepping down.

Two senators, both of them prospective Republican presidential candidates, did not vote – Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Marco Rubio of Florida. Meanwhile, sequester cuts continue to strangle domestic services and our defense capabilities.

With the threat of shutdown defused, Republican leaders in Congress are turning toward talks with Obama over a long-term budget agreement for the remainder of fiscal year 2016, and potentially beyond.

Boehner’s resignation decision highlights growing divisions within the Republican party driven by the growing tea party wing. Officials also said President Obama would veto any bill to defund Planned Parenthood.

“A short-term-funding measure sailed through the Senate this morning and is expected to pass in the House later today”.

On whether things could change, Schumer said “No”.

Smith spokesman Jeff Sagnip did not respond to requests for comment. “Let us take heed of the words of Pope Francis, who urged us to work together for the good of the people“.

Besides, he said during his weekly conference call with reporters, shutting down and re-opening the federal government is costly. It was not clear what impact his sudden departure would have on what will be his final major budget negotiation. “My lawyers have informed me that the source of this is Americans United for Life which is an anti-abortion group so I would check your source”.

“I think supporting community health clinics would be one of the better ways that money could be used”, said Frank. “Get it all done before he leaves”. When Boehner appeared on CBS’ “Face the Nation” Sunday, he offered an unequivocal “no” when asked if there would be a government shutdown Wednesday evening. “So this is a move to the more extreme”, Schakowsky said.

“You can look at the recent polls that are coming out that planned parenthood has remained, even despite the smear campaign going out against us, highly popular”. “How much of that could come together before Speaker Boehner leaves, I have no earthly idea”. The spending bill keeps the government funded until December 11. However, Congressman Tom Price, who is running against Scalise, voted against the bill. Timing for that vote was still uncertain but House Republican aides said they were aiming for an afternoon vote.