Congress prevents shutdown with short-term measure

WASHINGTON — Congress on Friday approved a one-week spending measure that avoids a government shutdown, providing lawmakers with extra time to finish negotiations on a long-term spending package.

But House Republicans left the Capitol with their goal of repealing the health care law still eluding them, leaving President Donald Trump, who will conclude his first 100 days on Saturday, without a marquee legislative achievement.

Instead, Republicans had to be satisfied on Friday with simply keeping the lights on.

The measure, known as a continuing resolution, sustains government operations at current funding levels through next Friday.

By that point, congressional leaders hope to have passed a spending package that will cover the rest of the fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30.

“A continuing resolution is never anyone’s first choice for funding the government,” said Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen, R-N.J., chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. “However, this is our best path forward.”

The House approved the spending measure by a vote of 382-30, and the Senate gave its approval with a voice vote.

Congressional leaders expressed optimism that an agreement on the longer-term spending package was within reach.

Some prominent obstacles have already been removed.

Trump backed down from his demand that money be included for the wall he wants to build along the border with Mexico.

The White House also said it would continue to make subsidy payments to insurers under the health care law.

That assurance satisfied Democrats who wanted the spending agreement to ensure that the subsidies — which lower deductibles and other out-of-pocket costs for low-income consumers — would continue to be funded.