McConnell Moves to Avoid U.S. Shutdown With Spending Bills (2)

Senate Republicans released 12 bills to fund the government through next September, the first move toward negotiations with House Democrats that will be vital to avoiding a federal shutdown next month.

Successful talks would remove one element of uncertainty for the U.S. economy, with President-elect Joe Biden’s victory still being disputed by President Donald Trump and a continuing stalemate in separate negotiations over a fiscal stimulus bill.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Monday that funding the government with complete full-year spending bills is a top priority in the post-election lame duck session that began this week and runs ...