Nothing is written in ink (yet) but all indications are that Congress has reached an agreement that would avoid a government shutdown.
While the details are sketchy, it would appear that the final budget would include a payroll tax cut extensions, jobless benefits, and a continuation of Medicare payments for physicians. All of these items were on the Democrats’ wish list. In return, the Democrats have dropped plans for the “millionaire tax” and are negotiating over the Keystone XL pipeline approval. Cuts in spending are also on the agenda.
Of course, the night is still young, which means there’s still plenty of time to gunk up the bill with all sorts of unrelated legislation.
The House and the Senate are expected to vote on the bill tomorrow. I’ll have a complete recap after the votes.
