New plan to end shutdown in the US

The proposal would split the spending and allow Congress to vote on temporarily extending funding for some agencies and federal programs until Jan. 19, while others are proposed to be extended until Feb. 2.

“This two-step solution is a necessary bill to put House Republicans in the best position to fight for conservative victories,” Johnson said in a statement, after speaking with party colleagues in the afternoon.

No later than Friday next week, Biden must sign a budget bill to avoid a government shutdown.

Before that, it must be approved in the US Senate, which is controlled by Democrats.

But first of all, Johnson must find enough support within his own party, before approval in the House of Representatives, which is controlled by the Republicans with a narrow majority. Several party colleagues have already criticized the proposal for accommodating too small expenditure reductions.

The Biden administration dismisses Johnson’s plan as frivolous and unworkable and a threat to national security.

“This proposal is just a recipe for more Republican chaos and more shutdowns,” the White House said in a statement.

President Joe Biden has requested emergency funds for US aid to Israel and Ukraine, as well as additions to strengthen the US border with Mexico. However, these expenditure items are not included in Johnson’s proposal and would need to be dealt with separately.

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