US Congress seeks quick deal to avoid government shutdown

The House and Senate have until midnight Friday to renew temporary legislation that maintains government operations, from national parks and air traffic control to military payroll and medical research.

Passing the money bill would give Democratic leaders more time to address in the coming weeks to increase Washington’s borrowing capacity, and separate legislation to invest about $1.75 trillion to expand social services and fight climate change.

If passed this week, the second extension would give Democrats and Republicans more time to resolve their differences over 12 regular annual appropriations bills, which fund “discretionary” federal programs for the fiscal year that began October 1.

The bills could total about $1.5 trillion and do not include funding for mandatory programs, such as the Social Security retirement plan, which are automatically renewed.

The fact that Congress did not complete any of those laws necessitated temporary funding legislation.

One congressional adviser said the new bill would include emergency funds to help resettle Afghan refugees after US forces withdrew in August after nearly 20 years of combat operations in that country.