Congress prepares to pass temporary spending bill to avoid shutdown

Congress is set to approve a temporary spending bill to fund the government through December 20, avoiding a shutdown as the new fiscal year begins next week. The bill includes $231 million for the Secret Service and other provisions. House Speaker Mike Johnson noted that the measure is necessary, but some Republicans oppose it, requiring Democratic support for passage. The Senate is expected to approve the bill quickly, allowing lawmakers to return to their campaigns ahead of the November 5 election. The bill delays final decisions on full-year spending levels, with more negotiations expected later. The House has passed five of twelve appropriations bills, while the Senate has not passed any. Johnson indicated that another stopgap may be needed after December 20.