Funding

• Partial shutdown likely despite Senate passage of funding bill - Senators approved a plan to fund the government after hours of negotiations and a snag from Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. the day before, though he later lifted his hold on the deal. The 71-29 vote comes after Senate Democrats refused to vote
• ‘Sort of blackmail’: Billions in rural health funding hinge on states passing Trump-backed policies - Democrats and health advocates described the strategy as highly unusual, and some fear it could be wielded to favor political allies.