Spending package introduced in bid to avoid partial US government shutdown

The US Capitol is seen in Washington (Mariam Zuhaib/AP)

Politicians introduced a 1.2 trillion US dollar spending package that sets the stage for avoiding a partial government shutdown for several key federal agencies this weekend and allows Congress, nearly six months into the budget year, to complete its work in funding the government through September.

Democrats were largely able to knock back scores of policy mandates and some of the steeper budget cuts that House Republicans were seeking to impose on non-defence programmes, though House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, highlighted some policy wins, including a nearly 24% increase in detention beds for migrants awaiting their immigration proceedings or removal from the country.