UPDATE - Trump says he is working 'hard' with Congress to avert a government shutdown

ADDS INFO

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - US President Donald Trump said Thursday that he is actively working with Congress to ensure that the federal government remains fully funded and to avoid a government shutdown.

"I am working hard with Congress to ensure that we are able to fully fund the Government, without delay," he said on his Truth Social platform.

Trump emphasized bipartisan cooperation on Capitol Hill, saying Republicans and Democrats have come together to fund the vast majority of the government through September while at the same time providing a funding extension to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

"Hopefully, both Republicans and Democrats will give a very much needed Bipartisan 'YES' Vote," he added.

- Senate reaches DHS funding deal that could avert shutdown

Trump said the country’s economic growth numbers are “among the best ever,” adding the only thing that would slow down momentum would be "another long and damaging" government shutdown.

Hours after Senate Democrats, joined by a small number of Republicans, blocked a procedural vote to advance a major government funding package, senators reached a tentative deal that could still avert a partial shutdown.

Under the deal, funding for the Department of Homeland Security would be separated from a broader “minibus” package that includes five other major appropriations bills.

The Senate could vote on the funding deal as early as Thursday night, after which the House—returning to Washington on Monday—would need to approve the measure and send it to Trump for his signature.

Funding for several agencies is set to lapse at 12:01 a.m. Saturday.