Congress seeks to avoid government shutdown this week

Congress is working to prevent a government shutdown as a funding deadline approaches. President Trump supports a new Republican proposal that would fund the government through September, with some increases for defense and decreases for non-defense spending. The House could vote on the bill as soon as Tuesday. It is expected to pass with only Republican support, as Democrats plan to oppose it due to concerns over Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security protections. If the House approves the bill, it will move to the Senate, where at least eight Democratic votes are needed to avoid a shutdown. Congress must act by Saturday to keep the government running.