Senate to vote on funding bill, easing shutdown threat

Washington • The Senate is preparing to vote Wednesday on a short-term measure to fund the government through Feb. 8, a move that eases the risk of a shutdown and comes only after President Donald Trump backed off his demand for border wall funds.Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced the quick turn of events, saying it was a "simple" bill but will show that Republicans, who have majority control of Congress, will finish the year by governing rather that prolonging a potential cri