Congress cleared a bill yesterday to fund the government and the federal response to Zika, avoiding a potentially embarrassing government shutdown just weeks before the election, CNN.com reported yesterday. The House and Senate approved the measure -- which would fund federal agencies through December 9 -- with just two days before federal agencies were set to run out of money. Once leaders resolved the final sticking point -- finding a mechanism to approve money for the city of Flint, Michigan, after its water system was contaminated with lead -- members of both parties were eager to wrap up votes and head home to campaign in the final sprint to the November election. Once bipartisan leaders agreed to add an amendment to a separate water infrastructure bill earmarking funds for Flint there was quick agreement to approve the spending bill. The final package included $1.1 billion for Zika, $500 million for flooding in Louisiana and other states, and $37 million for opioid addiction.
