On the brink of a government shutdown, McCarthy pivots to a 45-day plan relying on Democratic help

Speaker Kevin McCarthy attempted to push a 45-day funding bill through the House with Democratic help in a bid to prevent a federal government shutdown. The new approach would exclude aid to Ukraine but increase federal disaster assistance by $16 billion. McCarthy will need Democratic votes to pass the bill, risking his job as speaker. The Senate is also working on a stopgap plan that includes funding for Ukraine. Without a deal, federal workers will face furloughs and military troops will work without pay. Shutdown disruptions will impact programs and services across the country.