US Senate majority leader 'hopeful' to avert government shutdown

WASHINGTON

US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he is "hopeful" that a partial government shutdown will be averted ahead of a weekend deadline.

"Right now, with Republicans and Democrats continue to work together in good faith to fund the government, I'm hopeful we can avert a shutdown," Schumer told reporters.

House Republicans and Biden administration negotiators reached a fiscal 2024 Homeland Security spending deal late Monday.

The text of the six-bill package, which would fund the departments of defense, labor, health and human services, state and other priorities, must be finalized before lawmakers can vote on it.

Schumer said lawmakers are still waiting for the text.

"As soon as the bill passes the House, I will put it on the Senate floor. It's no secret that it's going to be a tight squeeze to get these funding bills passed before the weekend deadline.

"So, I ask all of my colleagues, Democrat and Republican, House and Senate, to be flexible and prepared, so we can finish the appropriations process," he added.

US President Joe Biden pledged Tuesday to "immediately" sign the bill.