Despite missing deadline, Congress avoids government shutdown by passing spending bill without Trump's debt ceiling raise

Mike Johnson, standing behind a podium, speaks to members of the press (Credit: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

• After a week of turmoil, Congress approved a spending package that will continue government funding until mid-March and provide additional relief for natural disaster survivors as well as aid to farmers. 

Congress lawmakers averted a government shutdown after finally passing a spending package that will continue to fund the government at current levels until mid-March, though the Senate missed the midnight deadline.