The threat of a US federal government shutdown was lifted hours before Saturday's midnight deadline as President Joe Biden signed a temporary funding bill to keep agencies open after Congress rushed to approve the bipartisan deal.The package drops aid to Ukraine, a White House priority opposed by a growing number of Republican politicians, but increases federal disaster assistance by 16 billion dollars (£13.1 billion), meeting Mr Biden's full request.The bill funds government until November 17.

The threat of a US federal government shutdown was lifted hours before Saturday's midnight deadline as President Joe Biden signed a temporary funding bill to keep agencies open after Congress rushed to approve the bipartisan deal.The package drops aid to Ukraine, a White House priority opposed by a growing number of Republican politicians, but increases federal disaster assistance by 16 billion dollars (£13.1 billion), meeting Mr Biden's full request.The bill funds government until November 17.