Congress Averts Shutdown with Last-Minute Funding Bill Despite Missing Deadline
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Congress Averts Shutdown with Last-Minute Funding Bill Despite Missing Deadline

House and Senate Approve Stopgap Measure; Biden Expected to Sign into Law

The U.S. Senate passed a funding bill early Saturday morning with an overwhelming 85-11 vote, ensuring the government remains funded for the initial months of the new year. This action came shortly after the House approved the bill on Friday by a bipartisan margin of 366-34.

Despite missing the midnight deadline, the White House instructed federal agencies to halt shutdown preparations, citing the bill’s imminent passage. President Joe Biden is expected to sign the measure on Saturday.

Key Provisions of the Bill

The bill provides temporary government funding through mid-March at current levels. It also allocates millions in disaster relief for communities impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, as well as for farmers grappling with droughts, wildfires, and floods.

A contentious provision to extend the debt ceiling until January 2027, which had been supported by President-elect Donald Trump, was removed in this version of the bill.

Political Reactions

House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed optimism following the vote:
“We are excited about this outcome tonight,” Johnson said. “Having gotten this done now, as the last order of business for the year, we are set up for a big and important new start in January.”

All Democratic House members, except Rep. Jasmine Crockett, who voted present, supported the bill. The 34 “no” votes were all from Republicans.

The bipartisan support highlights lawmakers’ urgency to prevent a government shutdown during the holiday season and ensure continuity into the new year.