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McConnell unveils stopgap spending bill, anti-Zika funds

FILE - In this Sept. 13, 2016 file photo, Senate Minority Leader Sen. Harry Reid of Nev. speaks to reporters during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington. Democrats are criticizing the latest Republican version of legislation that's needed to avoid a government shutdown next weekend. Reid of Nevada told reporters that Majority Leader Mitch McConnell will unveil the stopgap spending bill and a long-delayed bill to combat the Zika virus on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, but that Democrats haven't signed on to the measure. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said Democrats in that chamber won't back the measure, either. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)
FILE - In this Sept. 13, 2016 file photo, Senate Minority Leader Sen. Harry Reid of Nev. speaks to reporters during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington. Democrats are criticizing the latest Republican version of legislation that's needed to avoid a government shutdown next weekend. Reid of Nevada told reporters that Majority Leader Mitch McConnell will unveil the stopgap spending bill and a long-delayed bill to combat the Zika virus on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, but that Democrats haven't signed on to the measure. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said Democrats in that chamber won't back the measure, either. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File) FILE - In this Sept. 13, 2016 file photo, Senate Minority Leader Sen. Harry Reid of Nev. speaks to reporters during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington. Democrats are criticizing the latest Republican version of legislation that's needed to avoid a government shutdown next weekend. Reid of Nevada told reporters that Majority Leader Mitch McConnell will unveil the stopgap spending bill and a long-delayed bill to combat the Zika virus on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, but that Democrats haven't signed on to the measure. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said Democrats in that chamber won't back the measure, either. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)

By Associated Press 1 min read

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Senate’s top Republican has unveiled legislation to prevent a government shutdown next weekend and provide more than $1 billion to battle the Zika virus. It also would provide $500 million to help Louisiana rebuild from last month’s devastating floods.

Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the stopgap measure was “clean” of controversies and he left out internet-related language demanded by Texas GOP Sen. Ted Cruz and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.

Democrats immediately criticized the proposal for failing to fund one of their top priorities: money to help Flint, Michigan, repair its lead-tainted water system.

McConnell’s move could set up a showdown vote next week. It’s unclear whether Democrats would filibuster the measure, however.

Top Democratic negotiator Barbara Mikulski of Maryland urged further talks on the bill.