"Congressional Leaders Scramble to Avert Shutdown as Deadline Looms"

With just five days until a government funding deadline, congressional leaders have announced a deal to avert a shutdown until March, but the schedule leaves little room for error. House Speaker Mike Johnson is under intense pressure from hardliners and moderates, facing criticism over a spending deal with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. Bipartisan support will likely be needed to pass the legislation ahead of Friday’s deadline, as lawmakers confront two shutdown deadlines in January and February. Johnson's decision to stand by the agreement risks further angering conservatives, highlighting his precarious position as a new speaker.