Clock running out to avert US govt shutdown

WASHINGTON: Racing against a midnight deadline, the US Congress will try on Friday to send President Donald Trump legislation to keep the government operating and avoid federal agency shutdowns that would otherwise begin on Saturday.

The House of Representatives voted 230-197 on Thursday night for a bill to extend expiring funding through Feb. 16.But with tempers frayed and Republicans and Democrats deeply divided over immigration legislation that has found its way into the government funding fight, the bill appeared to be on the verge of collapse in the Senate.

The government currently is being funded by a third temporary measure since the new fiscal year began in October. Trump, who was scheduled to leave for his Florida resort in the afternoon, will remain in Washington until Congress passes legislation to avert a shutdown, White House officials said. “The trip is on ice. If there is a shutdown he won´t go,” one official said on condition of anonymity. In a morning tweet, Trump accused Democrats of holding up the measure over immigration.“Democrats are needed if it is to pass in the Senate - but they want illegal immigration and weak borders. Shutdown coming?” he said.