Shutdown risk remains amid elusive deal

Sensible call: Schumer speaks to reporters in Washington. The Senate majority leader asked senators to keep their schedules flexible so they can work on avoiding a lapse in federal funding that would partially kick in on Saturday. — AP

WASHINGTON: Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer says congressional efforts to put together a spending package fell short over the weekend, leaving the United States to “once again face the spectre of a harmful and unnecessary government shutdown” starting March 2.

“While we had hoped to have legislation ready this weekend that would give ample time for members to review the text, it is clear now that House Republicans need more time to sort themselves out,” Schumer said in a letter to colleagues on Sunday.