Sen. Rand Paul, a libertarian who advocates for reduced federal spending, on Thursday night was blocking a spending bill that must pass by midnight, a move that has the potential to cause a brief government shutdown.

A temporary funding measure expires at midnight, and lawmakers were prepared to pass a bill to both fund the government through March 23 and outline a spending cap deal that would enable spending accords for the next two years.

Recommended Stories

Democrats can’t fight crime by freeing criminals

What are the most expensive midterm races?

Lula is declared winner of Brazil’s election as Bolsonaro rejects results