The Senate passed a continuing resolution on Thursday, which will now be sent to President Barack Obama for his signature, Roll Call reports. “The spending measure, which passed 87-13, would keep the government funded through April 8 and would cut $6 billion in spending” (Dennis, 3/17).

“Congress now has a three-week reprieve before the country is again at risk of a halt in government services. Talks continue behind the scenes to reach a long-term budget solution,” the Los Angeles Times reports. After Obama “signs the latest measure, both sides indicated the next step is reach a long-term resolution to fund the government through the end of the 2011 fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30. Neither side wants another stop-gap measure” (Mascaro, 3/17).