Article snippet: MORE on Thursday signed a funding stopgap measure just hours ahead of a shutdown deadline, extending funding levels from the last fiscal year until Dec. 20. The measure, which passed in the Senate earlier Thursday and in the House on Tuesday, bought Congressional negotiators an additional four weeks to hammer out a deal on how to spend the agreed $1.37 trillion for the 2020 fiscal year, which began Oct. 1, and tackle thorny issues including Trump’s request to fund a border wall. “I am optimistic that the passage of the continuing resolution today is something Congress can build from, a sign that appropriators from both sides of the aisle are ready to work together to settle government funding by the end of the calendar year,” Senate Minority Leader MORE (D-N.Y.) said Thursday morning. But behind the scenes, appropriators are far from sure they will be able to work out a deal in time, with many raising concerns that an additional stopgap measure could be necessary ahead of Christmas. "Well we have deadlines, and then they come and we create more deadlines," Senate Appropriations Chairman MORE (R-Ala.) said when asked about progress on allocations. Progress on a deal has been fleeting. Last week, the White House sent Treasury Secretary MORE (D-Md.) noted earlier in the week.“But it ought not to adversely affect the other 11 bills. They’re being held hostage, essentially,” he added. Scott Wong contributed to this article The Hill 1625 K Street, NW Suite 900 Washing... Link to the full article to read more