*Whew! That was close.
Democrats and Republicans have reached an agreement that would fund the federal government for the remainder of the 2011 fiscal year, averting a shutdown … for now.
Hours before the midnight deadline, House Speaker John A. Boehner (pictured above with Pres. Obama) emerged from a meeting with his Republican caucus to announce the agreement, saying he had secured the best deal possible from Democrats and the White House.
Lawmakers in each chamber must still vote on the final agreement. As part of the deal, lawmakers will hold separate votes on funding for Planned Parenthood and the implementation of President Obama’s healthcare plan.
For the full story, go to the Wall Street Journal.
