It appears certain that Congress lawmakers will vote on a spending deal to avoid a shutdown later this week. With current government funding expiring on February 15, there are just days for Trump to approve all related bills.

Republicans are Eager to Finalize the Deal

The current agreement includes less than $1.8 billion for border wall funding, far less than Trump’s demand for $5.7 billion.

Following a bitter shutdown that lasted 35 days, nobody in Washington wants to see another one this week. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnel is pleased with the deal and has urged the President to sign, despite the border wall funding being just over 30% of what Trump asked for.

The deal, if signed, will avoid another shutdown in the current fiscal year. However, it will call recent political events into question. The deal is essentially the same as what Democrats offered in December. Some will see it as a defeat for the White House.

President Trump Pans the Bipartisan Deal

The President is not at all happy about the new deal, but he hasn’t indicated that he won’t sign it. He told reporters on Tuesday that “I’m not happy about it. It’s not doing the trick. I don’t think you are going to see a shutdown. I wouldn’t want to go to it. If you did have it, it’s the Democrats’ fault.”

Political commentators have interpreted this as a begrudging acceptance of the deal.

Can the President Veto the Deal?

While President Trump has veto power over laws passed by Congress, it is doubtful he would use it. Even if the President were to veto a spending deal, Congress could override it with a 2/3 vote from the House and Senate. It would be a highly unpopular political move and is one of the most unlikely outcomes.

Trump hinted earlier this year that he could fall back on an emergency declaration to fund a border wall.

Congress Deal Could be Signed by Wednesday Night

It is believed that the terms of the deal are finalized. Bills could be passed through Congress as early as Wednesday. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said this week that “When it is finished, and it is filed, then we can move expeditiously.” Mitch McConnel is also eager to see the deal pushed through quickly.

The longest shutdown in history was damaging for both political parties. Avoiding a new shutdown will allow lawmakers to focus on legislation and governance.

Stock markets bounced back on Tuesday when investors learned that the basics of the deal had been agreed by both parties. If the deal is signed this week, investment markets are likely to continue their current strong performance.