Borrowing Authority Hinges on Senate Rule Shortcuts

In a chamber full of ways to slow or halt the legislative process, U.S. senators say they are ready to move quickly on a deal to extend the debt limit and end the partial government shutdown.

While there’s no guarantee that a final vote will take place before the government’s borrowing authority expires tomorrow, that’s the new goal of congressional leaders -- and it’s possible because lawmakers who have the power to slow the progress of legislation say they will let things move forward as quickly as possible.