Congressional leaders reach a tentative deal to avoid government shutdown. But Ukraine aid stalls

By LISA MASCARO and KEVIN FREKING
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congressional leaders have announced a tentative agreement to prevent a government shutdown, for now. Wednesday’s deal comes days before an end-of-the-week deadline that risked shuttering some federal operations. Under the plan, Congress would temporarily extend funding for one set of federal agencies through March 8 and for another through March 22. In the meantime, Congress will try to draft and pass packages of legislation to fund the government for the remainder of the budget year. Notably missing is a $95 billion emergency package for Ukraine, Israel and Indo-Pacific allies, which remains stubbornly stalled. Hard-right Republicans want steeper spending reductions. Voting in the House is expected Thursday, right before Friday’s deadline when some federal monies run out.