US lawmakers strike deal to avoid imminent government shutdown

That interim funding is needed because technical work remains on the package, which has been agreed to in principle. While negotiators haven’t yet agreed on spending for the remainder of the government, the temporary funding also covers those parts of government through March 22.

House Speaker Mike Johnson’s office had said that, without an agreement on full-year spending bills, he was prepared to allow a shutdown.

Republicans leaders are backing the deal despite a risk of backlash among conservatives who have demanded new immigration restrictions to avoid a government shutdown. GOP congressional leaders have instead chosen to hold up emergency funding for Ukraine assistance to wring concessions from President Joe Biden.

The agreement includes funds for the departments of Agriculture, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, Veterans Affairs and Energy, along with the Food and Drug Administration. The deal also includes full-year funding for the departments of Interior, Commerce and Justice as well as the Environmental Protection Agency, removing the possibility national parks will close.

The agreement is in line with a $1.59 trillion overall spending level for fiscal 2024 that Republican and Democratic negotiators agreed to in January.

Funding for the remainder of the government, including the Homeland Security Department, will be tougher to negotiate given disputes over asylum policies at the US southern border continue.