Congress leaders agree to avoid government shutdown ahead of elections

Lisa Desjardins:

OK, let's talk about this. This was put together over the weekend by the Republican and Democratic congressional leaders.

The first thing people should know is that this extends federal appropriations until December 20th. That is, of course, after the election, but before the new president is sworn in. This includes $231 million for the Secret Service, and it specifically says that this can now be spent on the current campaign season, of course out of concern to both parties, including former President Trump.

What it doesn't say is that there will be no increased funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs. That's something Democrats have been particularly trying to push through in this bill. The VA is currently constrained in terms of funding, but Republicans, they say, wouldn't agree to that.

As you said, that's standard procedure, but now, in such a tense election year, leaders of both parties have realized they have to get this done. Republican leaders don't want to switch off, and Democrats want to focus on the election.