House passes stopgap bill to avert government shutdown

The House passed a stopgap spending bill Friday that would avert a government shutdown at midnight.

The measure, which is expected to easily pass the Senate later Friday, would give Congress another week to negotiate a bill to fund the government for the rest of the fiscal year that ends Sept. 30.

Most of the major disputes preventing a long-term spending bill were resolved earlier in the week, but Republicans and Democrats continued to haggle over issues such as helping address Puerto Rico’s Medicaid crisis and fixing health care for miners.

Earlier in the week, President Trump took steps to clear the way for a deal on a long-term spending bill. Senate Democrats responded with further demands.

The president dropped his demand for funding for a wall on the border with Mexico, saying enough money was available for planning the project. Mr. Trump also agreed to continue with crucial Obamacare payments that was the top demand from Democrats.