Shutdown Looking Unlikely on Capitol Hill

The good news: It doesn’t seem as though disputes between congressional Republicans and their Democratic colleagues on Capitol Hill and in the White House over spending cuts will bring the government to a standstill. The bad news, for some, is that this temporary harmony may be hard-won.  —KA

The Washington Post:

We’re pleased that there seems to be some progress and we think we’re moving in the right direction,”’ press secretary Jay Carney said of a bill that Republicans intend to pass in the House on Tuesday.

Carney stressed that President Barack Obama opposes a shutdown, a position that lawmakers in both parties also have taken. His remarks were the latest indication that Congress will ensure that funds don’t run out on March 4.

House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi of California has criticized the Republican bill, which would cut $4 billion while keeping the government funded through March 18.

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AP / Alex Brandon

Unsurprisingly, top-ranking Democrat Nancy Pelosi isn’t thrilled with the GOP bill.