"US House Republicans Strategize to Prevent Government Shutdown Amid Moody's Warning"

US House Republicans are set to unveil a stopgap measure aimed at avoiding a government shutdown, as Moody's downgrades its outlook on the nation's credit from "stable" to "negative." The move comes just a week before federal agencies run out of money without congressional action. The Republicans' plan could strengthen their push for sharper spending cuts, following a $1.7 trillion deficit in the last fiscal year. The House and Senate must agree on a spending vehicle by November 17 to avoid a partial government shutdown. House Republicans hope to vote on a stopgap measure on Tuesday, which could extend funding into mid-January. Some Republicans are calling for a "clean" continuing resolution, while others want spending cuts and conservative policies included.