The US government appears to be poised for another shutdown. Congress has hit a stumbling block in its efforts to pass a stopgap spending bill before midnight. Lone senator Rand Paul delayed the quick vote on the compromise bill, which includes a major budget deal that lifts federal spending limits. The Republican senator delivered a floor speech and for hours, showed no sign of relenting on the mammoth two-year spending bill, criticizing the increase in federal spending limits. The bill aims to extend government funding for six weeks, but needs to be passed by Congress before being taken to the president's desk. Government agencies are now preparing for their second shutdown in two weeks.