Congressional leaders are avoiding a government shutdown - at least for now.

The House of Representatives and Senate reached an agreement that averts a government shutdown until March. However, Illinois 17th District Democratic Congressman Eric Sorenson says leaders must stop kicking the can down the road.

Under the new deal, Congress buys time to work on 12 appropriation bills before voting on a new fiscal budget. Despite a new short-term spending plan, lawmakers need to find common ground on a continuing resolution - to prevent a partial government shutdown. Lawmakers have until after midnight on January 20 to find common ground.