Trump signs $854 billion spending bill

Compiled from news services

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has signed an $854 billion spending bill to keep the federal government open through Dec. 7, averting a government shutdown in the weeks leading up to the November midterm elections.

That’s according to a White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the action.

Mr. Trump signed the legislation to fund the military and several civilian agencies without journalists present at the White House. The House and Senate approved the spending plan earlier this week.

Mr. Trump’s signature avoids a shutdown before the Nov. 6 elections that will determine control of Congress. But he has expressed frustration that the bill doesn’t pay for his long-stalled wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.

WASHINGTON — Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein has agreed to speak privately with lawmakers following reports that he had discussed secretly recording President Donald Trump.

A source said Mr. Rosenstein agreed to the meeting during a call Thursday evening with the House Judiciary Committee chairman, Rep. Bob Goodlatte. The Virginia Republican said Friday he was working out details with the Justice Department for a closed-door session.

“There are many questions we have for Mr. Rosenstein, including questions about allegations made against him in a recent news article,” Mr. Goodlatte said