SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE MIKE JOHNSON, R-LA., MEETS WITH REPORTERS AFTER A CLOSED-DOOR CAUCUS WITH FELLOW REPUBLICANS, AT THE CAPITOL IN WASHINGTON, TUESDAY, SEPT. 24, 2024. CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS HAVE A DEAL ON A SHORT-TERM SPENDING BILL THAT WILL FUND FEDERAL AGENCIES FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS. THE AGREEMENT ANNOUNCED SUNDAY AVERTS A POSSIBLE PARTIAL GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN WHEN THE NEW BUDGET YEAR BEGINS OCT. 1 AND PUSHES FINAL DECISIONS UNTIL AFTER THE NOVEMBER ELECTION. (AP PHOTO/J. SCOTT APPLEWHITE)