Congress looked to avert a government shutdown for the second time in a week by passing a two-day stopgap funding bill to allow lawmakers more time to agree on a COVID relief bill.
The continuing resolution (CR), which passed both the House and Senate with just hours to spare before a midnight deadline, will prevent a government shutdown and allow Congress more time to iron out sticking points in the $900 billion COVID-19 relief bill that Americans have been awaiting for months.
The House passed the measure in a 320-60 vote with the Senate approving it by a voice vote soon after, The Associated Press reported. President Trump signed the legislation late Friday, the report said.
House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer, D-Md., said the public should not expect a bill to be agreed to sooner than 1 p.m. Sunday.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., blamed Republicans for the inability to reach a deal Friday, saying the stimulus checks have proven to be the sticking point.
"We want $1200 at least," she told the Hill. "And Republicans are fighting it back down to $600, which is really unfortunate. $600 is not enough."
But GOP Sen. Josh Hawley, Mo., who along with Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., have pushed Congress to approve stimulus checks, said he would "continue to fight for $1200/ person and $500 (min) for kids for working families."
