Congress Leaders Reach $1.59 Trillion Deal on Spending Levels in Bid to Avert Government Shutdown

The deal is an important milestone in negotiations between the Democrat upper chamber and Republican lower chamber.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) listen during remarks at a Capitol Menorah lighting ceremony at the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington on Dec. 12, 2023. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) on Jan. 7 announced that he had reached a deal with Senate Democrats and the White House on top-line spending numbers, a key step in the race to avert a government shutdown in the coming weeks.

Mr. Johnson announced the development in a “Dear Colleague” letter circulated to lawmakers.