CONGRESS SEEMS ON TRACK TO AVOID GOVT. SHUTDOWN

» Despite incendiary WASHINGTON words from President Donald Trump, Congress seemed on track Wednesday to approving legislation that would avert a partial government shutdown during the weekend as all sides seemed ready to avert a confrontation — for now.

Increasingly confident House leaders planned a Thursday vote on a bill that would keep federal agencies functioning through Dec. 22, and Senate approval was expected to follow. Even the head of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, whose members have been threatening to oppose the measure, predicted passage.

“No one wants a shutdown, including Freedom Caucus members,” Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C., told reporters.

The moderated tone reflected a sense within both parties that although major differences remain over spending, immigration, health care and other issues, this was no time for a headline-grabbing government closure.

Republicans want the public focus to be on the party’s prized $1.5 trillion tax bill, which they hope to enact by Christmas. They also have no interest in a shutdown that would raise questions about their ability to govern.

While many Democrats seemed likely to oppose the measure, enough were expected to support it in the Senate to allow its passage there.

Leaders of both parties planned to meet Trump at the White House on Thursday to bargain over longterm spending limits and other issues that have become entangled with lawmakers’ year-end work.