–Still Discussing ‘Level’ of Spending For Bill
–Also Discussion If Stop Gap Will Be ‘Clean’

By John Shaw

WASHINGTON (MNI) – Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said
Tuesday that talks are underway in Congress on passing a stop-gap
spending bill which will keep the federal government running beyond the
November elections.

In comments to reporters after a Republican policy luncheon,
McConnell said that he expects the stop-gap bill to extend “into
November or December.”

He said the parties must decide what “level” of spending is
appropriate for the stop-gap bill and if it should be a “clean” bill
free of policy riders.

The 2011 fiscal year begins Oct 1. So far, Congress has passed none
of the 12 annual spending bills for the new fiscal year.

Congress is expected to recess as early as the end of next week
until after the Nov. 2 elections. The stop-gap bill would keep the
federal government fully funded while work continues on the 12 regular
spending bills.

** Market News International Washington Bureau: (202) 371-2121 **

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