U.S. Congress Advances Stopgap Bill Ahead of Shutdown Deadline

With a potential government shutdown looming, U.S. congressional leaders have reached a consensus on a short-term funding measure to keep the federal government operational. The proposed bill, spearheaded by House Speaker Mike Johnson, is set to be voted on by lawmakers this week.

House Speaker Johnson, in a communication to his fellow representatives, described the proposed legislation as “bare bones,” addressing only the most pressing fiscal needs. Unlike an earlier draft, this current proposal excludes any clauses related to proof of citizenship for voter registration but does allocate an additional $231 million for Secret Service funding. This measure is part of an effort to cover intensified security needs following two recent assassination attempts involving former President Donald Trump.

The Rules Committee plans to assess the bill on Monday, September 23, with an anticipated House vote scheduled for Wednesday, September 25. Should this legislation be stalled, government funding is set to expire on September 30, risking a shutdown.

In related political developments, the race for the U.S. presidency stands at a critical juncture, with a new poll showing Vice President Kamala Harris leading former President Donald Trump by a narrow margin—52% to 48%—among likely voters.

Across the globe, tensions remain high in the Middle East, where Israel has begun a new wave of airstrikes targeting Hezbollah positions in Lebanon. The Israeli military has issued advisories for civilians to evacuate targeted zones due to potential further assaults. Reports from the Lebanese health ministry indicate that the recent strikes have resulted in casualties, including one death and six injuries.

Back in the United States, the Secret Service faces significant scrutiny as it prepares to secure the United Nations General Assembly in New York City, where over 140 international leaders are expected to convene. This event comes amid heightened criticism of the agency following earlier assassination attempts targeting Trump.

In sports, the Chicago White Sox ended their regular season game with a loss, tying them for a record number of defeats in a single Major League Baseball season since 1900, matched only by the 1962 New York Mets.