Congress Advances Spending Package to End Partial Government Shutdown
The U.S. House of Representatives has narrowly voted to advance a spending package aimed at ending a brief, partial government shutdown. The procedural measure was approved with a 217 to 215 vote after President Trump endorsed the package, which he negotiated with Senate Democrats. The agreement funds most of the government, including the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services, Housing, and Transportation, through the end of September. However, funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is only extended through February 13. This short-term agreement was reached after Democrats refused to approve annual funding without restrictions on immigration enforcement tactics, following incidents involving federal officers. The House vote sets up a final decision later in the day, potentially sending the over $1 trillion legislation to the president's desk. 
