Senate Leaders Race Against Time to Finalize Funding Deal Before Midnight

As the midnight deadline approaches, GOP leaders in the Senate are working to finalize a bipartisan funding plan to prevent a government shutdown. Despite support from Senate Democrats and the White House, internal party disputes, particularly from Senator Lindsey Graham, pose significant challenges. Graham demands a vote on his immigration-related measure and is threatening to oppose the funding package due to provisions affecting his legal rights. A brief shutdown seems inevitable since the House is not expected to reconvene until Monday. Lawmakers are under pressure to resolve these issues quickly to avoid a prolonged shutdown like last fall's.

Key Details: • Senate Republicans meeting for lunch on Friday to discuss funding. • House Republicans to hold a phone meeting later on Friday. • Midnight deadline for funding deal to avoid shutdown. • Senate Democrats pushing for a two-week stopgap for the Department of Homeland Security.