The US faces a brief shutdown, Congress wants to vote soon

The United States has been in a partial federal government shutdown since Saturday, but according to House Speaker Mike Johnson, the situation should be resolved by Tuesday at the latest.

Johnson said on NBC television that Republicans have enough votes to pass the agreement, but the problem is getting all lawmakers back to Washington after the snowstorm. The Senate has already approved the budget package, but the House is currently out of session.

The proposed agreement will allow for the funding of most federal agencies, including the Pentagon, while the issue of the Department of Homeland Security will be addressed separately. Congress wants to allow itself about two weeks to negotiate stricter immigration policies.

Unlike in previous years, Republicans and Democrats are trying to ensure that the dispute over migration does not paralyze the entire country. Johnson stressed that the goal is to quickly restore government operations and then negotiate in good faith.

(reuters, mja)