Government shutdown averted as Republicans vie to replace Mitch McConnell: Live

Mitch McConnell steps down as Senate Republican leader

Congress has voted to pass a stopgap spending bill, again averting a government shutdown and prompting pro-Trump Republican anger at House Speaker Mike Johnson.

The continuing resolution will keep the government open until 8 March. The bill came as part of a larger agreement from Mr Johnson, Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer, Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell, and House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries to vote on six of the 12 pending spending bills by that date.

The bill passed in the House by 320 to 99 with Democrats making up the bulk of support. Similarly, the Senate approved the bill 77 to 13.

The race to replace Mr McConnell as GOP leader in the Senate is underway following his announcement that he will retire. Senator John Cornyn was first to announce his intentions.

Meanwhile, House GOP lawmakers are scrambling to try and justify the premise for their flailing Biden impeachment inquiry after yesterday’s deposition by Hunter Biden. Doubts over its prospects are growing.

Finally, President Joe Biden and Donald Trump both visited the southern border on Thursday in an attempt to seize the narrative around immigration ahead of their presidential match-up later this year.

Statement from President Joe Biden on Major Retail Pharmacies Becoming Certified to Dispense Safe and Effective Medication Abortion

Today is an important milestone in ensuring access to mifepristone, a drug that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration as safe and effective for more than 20 years. With major retail pharmacy chains newly certified to dispense medication abortion, many women will soon have the option to pick up their prescription at a local, certified