Yellen Urges Congress to Pass Bipartisan Spending Bill (1)

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen called on lawmakers to pass a temporary spending bill this week and avert a partial US government shutdown.

“Failing to fund the government by this Friday’s deadline would harm American families and small businesses across the country,” Yellen said in a speech Wednesday morning in Washington. “I’m heartened there’s bipartisan agreement, and urge members of Congress to meet the deadline to prevent an unnecessary shutdown.”

Congressional leaders agreed to the measure last week and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer made passing it a priority in his chamber this week. Though ultra-conservatives in the House oppose the ...