The US Congress leaders have struck a temporary deal to prevent a government shutdown, as reported by the AR agency. This agreement extends funding for various federal agencies, with one set until March 8 and another until March 22. Meanwhile, it aims to finalize a comprehensive government funding package for the rest of the budget year.
However, a consensus on a $95 billion emergency aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and other allies remains elusive.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, alongside Senate leaders Chuck Schumer, Mitch McConnell, and Hakeem Jeffries, emphasized the importance of bipartisan efforts to ensure government funding.
They announced, "We agree that Congress must work in a bipartisan manner to fund our government."
According to Johnson, the House is set to vote on Thursday to extend temporary funding to avoid immediate financial cutoffs. The Senate's vote will follow.
This development unfolds as global attention, especially from Ukraine and US allies, is fixed on Washington's next steps.
Amidst these negotiations, Speaker Johnson is navigating one of his most critical challenges: to prevent a government shutdown by Friday midnight and address the stalled emergency funding for Ukraine and other allies.
After discussions with congressional leaders and President Joe Biden, Johnson emphasized border protection as a key concern amidst discussions on Ukrainian aid.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi, in a recent press conference, stressed the urgency of US Congress approving the significant aid package for Ukraine within the upcoming month.
