WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress has passed a two-day stopgap spending bill to avert a partial government shutdown this weekend.
It's part of an effort by lawmakers to buy additional time for frustratingly slow endgame negotiations on an almost $1 trillion COVID-19 economic relief package.
The lawmakers are aiming for a vote Sunday to close out the broad package.
Negotiators are seeking to resolve a battle over emergency Federal Reserve lending powers.
Democrats say the GOP proposal would deprive President-elect Joe Biden of crucial tools to manage the economy.
The hoped-for agreement would provide more than $300 billion in aid to businesses, a $300-per-week bonus federal jobless benefit, and $600 direct payments to individuals.
