Congressional leaders reach tentative deal to prevent a government shutdown, say AP sources

By LISA MASCARO and KEVIN FREKING
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congressional leaders have reached a tentative agreement to prevent a government shutdown, for now. That’s according to two people familiar with the situation and granted anonymity to discuss it. Wednesday’s deal comes days before an end-of-the-week deadline that risked shuttering some federal operations. Under the plans being finalized, Congress would temporarily extend funding for one set of federal agencies through March 8 and for another through March 22. It is contingent on Republicans and Democrats agreeing to a broader funding plan for the remainder of the budget year. Likely 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.