Congress rushes to avoid shutdown, punts issues to January

WASHINGTON (AP) — Conflict-weary lawmakers eyed the U.S. Capitol exits Thursday as the Republican-led Congress rushed to approve a temporary spending bill to avoid a government shutdown and then sprint home for the holidays.

The wrap-up measure would allow the Republicans controlling Washington to savor their win on the $1.5 trillion tax package — even as they punt a full lineup of leftover work into the new year. Congress will return in January facing enormous challenges on immigration, the federal budget, health care, and national security along with legislation to increase the government's authority to borrow money.

Each of those items is sure to test the unity that Republicans are enjoying now.