"Speaker Johnson's Bipartisan Plan to Avoid Government Shutdown Gains Momentum"

House Speaker Mike Johnson expects bipartisan support for his "laddered" continuing resolution to fund the government, which would potentially allow the Senate enough time to pass the bill and avoid a government shutdown. The plan funds some federal agencies until mid-January and others through early February, without including the steep spending cuts demanded by the conservative House Freedom Caucus. Johnson will need two-thirds of the House, including over 100 Democrats, to vote for the resolution. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell have also expressed support, and President Joe Biden is open to the approach.