Senate scrambles to avert government shutdown ahead of midnight deadline

Senate leaders are racing to salvage a deal to keep the federal government open past midnight. The White House and Senate Democrats appeared to have reached agreement on a spending plan, but Senate Majority Leader John Thune said “snags on both sides” could derail the bill. Thune and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer are expected to try to get negotiations back on track. The proposal would fund the government through September and includes a separate, short-term measure for the Department of Homeland Security as lawmakers negotiate new immigration enforcement restrictions. President Donald Trump said he wants to avoid a shutdown, but the bill would need swift approval in the Senate and passage in the House to take effect in time.