Tentative Deal to Avoid Shutdown

Sources said Wednesday that a tentative deal had been reached among congressional leaders to avoid a government shutdown. The deal reportedly will cut $33 billion from the budget—about $23 billion more than Democrats have previously agreed upon in the short-term resolutions and $28 billion less than House Republicans wanted. House Speaker John Boehner’s spokesman Kevin Smith said Wednesday night that “no number” had been set for the budget cuts. The House Appropriations Committee reportedly met with Senate leaders Wednesday night, and Vice President Joe Biden was rumored to have gone to Capitol Hill as well.