McConnell: Senate Will Pass Short-Term Funding Bill

In an attempt to avoid a government shutdown, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said the Senate will approve a short-term funding bill.

"The House has introduced a short-term funding bill that we expect to pass before Friday night's deadline, so that a final agreement can be drafted and shared with members for their review prior to its consideration next week," McConnell said, according to The Hill.

McConnell also announced the short-term funding bill on Twitter:

We expect to pass a short-term funding bill before Fri’s deadline so a final draft can be shared w members prior to consideration next week

— Leader McConnell (@SenateMajLdr) April 27, 2017

Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen, R-N.J., chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, introduced the one-week bill to fund the government through May 5. It must be approved by both the House and Senate by Friday night to avoid the shutdown.

President Donald Trump has accused congressional Democrats of wanting to shut down the government by pushing to help Puerto Rico, which is currently facing a multi-billion dollar debt. Democrats have also said they would not support the government spending bill unless the administration continues paying Obamacare insurer subsidies, according to the Hill.

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