US House lawmakers reach deal on short-term funding bill

By Ovunc Kutlu

ANKARA (AA) - The US House of Representatives reached a deal Thursday on a short-term funding bill that would avoid a government shutdown a day before the deadline.

The short-term Further Extending Government Funding Act will keep the government funded until Feb. 18.

"It continues current funding and policy with only minimal changes," House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro said in a statement.

"While I wish the Feb. 18 end date were earlier, this agreement allows the appropriations process to move forward toward a final funding agreement which addresses the needs of the American people," said the Democrat from Connecticut.

The Senate now has to approve the spending bill by midnight Friday to prevent a shutdown, but some Republicans may try to delay or block it, which could result in a temporary government shutdown.