Congress Averts Shutdown

A short-term funding extension expiring on March 1^st and 8^th respectively for specified agencies was negotiated on January 7^th and passed by both Chambers on January 18^th.  The agreement allows for limits on the two bundles of appropriations bills. Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson (R-LA) faced opposition from his right wing flank threatening his narrow majority.  The Federal government is currently functioning under a previous series of two continuing resolutions. Funding due to expire on January 19^th has been extended to March 1^st for specific departments with the remainder set for expiry on February 2^nd now to continue to March 8^th These dates are respectively 35 and 42 days away.