"House Republicans scramble to avert shutdown as McCarthy rejects Senate spending bill"

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy rejects Senate legislation to keep the government running, as House Republicans struggle to unite around an alternative plan. With time running out before government funding expires, the House and Senate are pursuing different paths to avert a shutdown. McCarthy is scrambling to come up with a Republican stopgap plan while trying to force Senate Democrats into concessions. However, many GOP lawmakers are withholding support for a temporary measure, and some are considering joining Democrats to prevent a shutdown. McCarthy's ability to negotiate is in doubt, and he has little standing with Senate Democrats. The White House has urged McCarthy to compromise, but he has shown no interest in working with Democrats. A shutdown appears increasingly likely, with the House and Senate at an impasse.