The clock is ticking toward a September 30 deadline to fund the government, and even with a possible deal to avert a lapse in funding, parts of the US government will start the behind-the-scenes process of preparing for a potential shutdown.

Washington lawmakers reached a spending plan Sunday that will keep the government operating through December, avoiding a looming shutdown.

The agreement announced Sunday averts a possible partial government shutdown when the new budget year begins Oct. 1 and pushes final decisions until after the November election.