Congressional leaders say they've reached agreement on government funding

Washington — Congressional leaders have come to an agreement on the overall spending level for the remainder of 2024 as they seek to avoid a government shutdown later this month, the leaders announced Sunday.

In a letter to colleagues, House Speaker Mike Johnson said that the $1.6 trillion deal includes $886 billion for defense and $704 billion for non-defense spending. 

"The bipartisan topline appropriations agreement clears the way for Congress to act over the next few weeks in order to maintain important funding priorities for the American people and avoid a government shutdown," House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement Sunday.