Congress Races to Avert Government Shutdown Amid Trump’s Rapid Moves

The Republican-led U.S. Congress is pushing to pass a bill to fund the government and prevent a shutdown amid President Trump's agency cuts. Despite opposition from Democrats, hardline Republicans back the bill to advance Trump's agenda. Senate Democrats lean towards support to avoid chaos.

The Republican-controlled U.S. Congress is making a concerted effort to pass new funding legislation and avert a partial government shutdown expected to begin on Saturday. This comes as President Donald Trump initiates sweeping agency cuts, leaving the capital in a state of unrest.

Despite facing opposition from some sectors, notably the Democrats, hardline Republicans have indicated their backing for a bill that maintains funding at current levels until September 30, the end of the fiscal year. Republican Speaker Mike Johnson aims to secure passage by Tuesday to focus on Trump's agenda, including tax cuts and increased spending on immigration enforcement and the military.

In the Senate, where a 60-vote filibuster rule applies, Democrats seem inclined to support the bill to prevent further government destabilization, despite concerns about involving Trump's increased authority over financial allocations. Key spending cuts and increases are part of the $6.75 trillion budget plan, including a rise in defense spending and a freeze on IRS funding.

(With inputs from agencies.)