WASHINGTON - US congressional leaders have agreed on a two-tranche stop-gap spending bill to keep the federal government funded into March and avert a partial government shutdown starting late next week, US media reported on Jan 13.

Politico, CNN and Punchbowl reported that congressional leaders have agreed on what is called a “continuing resolution” or “CR,” that would fund the government - extending two deadlines through March 1 and March 8. The media outlets reported that House of Representatives Republicans will unveil the plan later on Jan 14.

Funding expires on Jan 19 for some federal agencies, including the Department of Transportation, while others like the Defence Department face a Feb 2 deadline.

The top Democrat and Republican in Congress reached a US$1.59 trillion (S$2.12 trillion) deal on Jan 7 to fund the government through the current fiscal year, but if they fail to pass it by Jan 19, parts of the federal government would begin to shut down.

Some lawmakers have said a short-term funding bill was needed to allow bipartisan negotiators from the House and Senate time to agree on full-year fiscal 2024 spending bills and for Congress to enact the legislation.

On Jan 11, Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer took the first procedural step to pass a stop-gap funding bill through the Senate early next week to give lawmakers more time to pass the full-year bill.

The United States came close to a partial government shutdown last autumn amid opposition by hardline House Republicans, who ousted former Speaker Kevin McCarthy over reaching a bipartisan stop-gap spending deal with Mr Schumer.

A representative for House Speaker Mike Johnson did not immediately respond to a request for comment. REUTERS