http://content.usatoday.com/communities/theoval/post/2011/02/obama-republicans-democrats-may-avoid-government-shutdown/1It looks like the political parties may avoid a government shutdown this Friday -- at least for a couple weeks.
With the continuing resolution that funds the government due to expire Friday, Republicans and Democrats are negotiating an extended plan, though it is one that would only keep the government open to March 18.
One thing for sure, House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, plans to argue against a government shutdown in a speech tonight to the National Religious Broadcasters convention.
"This is very simple," Boehner plans to say, according to excerpts released by his office. "Americans want the government to stay open, and they want it to spend less money."