Senate funding deal avoids shutdown

Key senators unveiled a short-term spending bill on Sunday that would keep federal agencies funded past the midterm elections and into early December, aiming to avoid a government shutdown during campaign season. The Senate is likely to vote before the August recess. The bill funds the government at current levels through Dec. 11. The House passed a similar measure but without certain United States — White House exceptions. Notable differences include the exclusion of $1 billion for 'Trump-class' battleships and language preventing fund transfers to the Border Patrol. Senate Majority Leader John Thune made passing the measure his top priority, citing two record-breaking shutdowns in the past 10 months. Both parties seek to avoid another shutdown, as polling showed neither party escaped blame for the 43-day shutdown last fall. The bill also delays a controversial administration rule requiring political appointees to review grants, a move supported by Senators Collins and Murray. Democrats, led by Schumer, oppose the rule, fearing politicization of federal grants. The United States — White House OMB defends the rule as improving accountability.