The Latest: House passes bill to fund federal agencies through September — Senate prospects unclear

The House passed legislation Tuesday to avert a partial government shutdown and fund federal agencies through September.

In the Senate, the bill will need support from at least eight Democrats to get it to President Donald Trump’s desk. It’s one of the biggest legislative tests so far of the Republican president’s second term.

In moving the bill ahead despite the lack of buy-in from Democrats, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., is essentially daring them to oppose it and risk a shutdown that would begin Saturday if lawmakers fail to act.

Here's the latest:

Trump elated over House passage of bill to avoid partial government shutdown

“Big WIN for Republicans, and America, tonight. Congratulations to ALL!!!” Trump posted on his social media platform.

The Republican-controlled House voted 217-213 to pass the bill to fund federal agencies through the end of the budget year in September. It now goes to the Senate, where bipartisan support will be needed to send it to Trump’s desk for his signature by late Friday.

House Republicans grumble after spending bill passes

While House Republicans unanimously supported a continuing resolution to fund the government through September, many GOP lawmakers bristled that spending was not slashed enough.

“It’s a bad bill now, but we were painted in the corner,” Rep. Rich McCormick of Georgia said. “We don’t have a better option right now. That’s the horrible thing about that.”

Rep. Chip Roy of Texas, an outspoken member of Freedom Caucus, said that he expects the White House “will come in with a relatively conservative number” on future budget proposals that would be more satisfying to fiscal hawks.

Republican senators warn the US cannot get ‘played’ by Russia as Trump pushes Ukraine to end the war

Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the former Republican leader, said on Tuesday that Ukraine’s victory and stability in Europe is “squarely in the interest of the United States.”

“Europe is our largest trading partner,” McConnell said. “Russia is a thuggish autocracy with an economy smaller than Italy’s. There is simply no equivalence.”

The remarks came as the Trump administration lifted its suspension of military aid and intelligence sharing for Ukraine, and Ukraine said it was open to a 30-day ceasefire in the war with Russia.

McConnell and Republican Sens. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska joined Democrats to stress the consequences of abandoning Ukraine.

“People need to understand that Ukraine is a doormat to Europe,” Tillis said. “We have to step up and make sure that the American people know that it’s in our national interest to support Ukraine.”

Court asked to intervene after email tells USAID workers to destroy classified documents

A union for U.S. Agency for International Development contractors asked a federal judge Tuesday to intervene in any destruction of classified documents after an email ordered staffers to help burn and shred agency records.

A person familiar with the email who spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal verified that it was sent to at least some essential personnel.

The email directed staffers to report to work starting Tuesday. “Shred as many documents first,” then stuff remaining classified material into designated bags for burning if the demand on the shredder becomes too great, the email instructed.

It was sent under the name of Erica Carr — the acting executive secretary at USAID — and bears a USAID logo.

▶ Read more about the email telling USAID staff to destroy classified documents