Everything Is Pointing To A Nearly Done Deal To Avert A Government Shutdown

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky., left, joined by Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn of Texas, meets with reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2015, to discuss the status of the Keyst... Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky., left, joined by Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn of Texas, meets with reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2015, to discuss the status of the Keystone XL Pipeline bill, following their weekly policy luncheon. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) MORE LESS
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Members of Congress appear to be on track to fund the government before time runs out this weekend.

A late vote in the House Rules Committee Tuesday night cleared the way for the House to vote on an amendment that would provide aid for the water crisis in Flint, Michigan.

“I am happy to see that progress has been made in the House of Representatives with regard to Flint, Michigan. This is a step in the right direction,” said Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV). “We will continue to exercise caution moving forward but I’m glad to see progress has been made.”

The deal–which was negotiated by Democratic and Republican House leaders–is on the water resources bill that is moving through the House, but is expected to free up the Senate to move forward with its must-pass spending bill that was held up because it did not include any money for Flint.

“Members should be prepared for votes on the continuing resolution,” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Wednesday morning on the floor. “Our colleagues in the House made good progress last night on moving forward to help the people of Flint in the Water Resources Development Act , which we’ve said is the proper vehicle.”

Most Democrats had voted against a procedural vote Tuesday that would have advanced the spending measure because of their objections to the fact it included money for flooding victims in Louisiana, but not money for Flint. But, House leaders promised they would pursue the Flint aid in a timely fashion as it worked to finish up its water resources bill.

“We don’t want to create brinkmanship that doesn’t do anyone any good,” said House Speaker Paul Ryan during an event at the Economic Club of D.C. Wednesday morning.

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