US President Biden signs crucial funding bill, narrowly averting government shutdown
US President Joe Biden signed crucial funding bill, averting partial government shutdown and ensuring federal agencies’ operations until September
US President Joe Biden signed a crucial funding bill law on Saturday, narrowly averting a partial government shutdown and ensuring federal agencies’ operations until September.
Biden emphasized the bipartisan nature of the funding bill, stating, “The bipartisan funding bill I just signed keeps the government open, invests in the American people, and strengthens our economy and national security.”
The Senate narrowly missed a midnight deadline to pass the $1.2 trillion package, which aimed to keep key government agencies operational. However, they managed to pass a resolution in the early hours, which had previously been approved by the House.
Simultaneously, Biden urged lawmakers to approve additional funding for national and border security, stating, “Congress’s work isn’t finished.” He emphasized the importance of passing bipartisan agreements on national security and border security, describing them as the “toughest and fairest reforms in decades.”
The day was marked by high-stakes drama on Capitol Hill, as the House of Representatives passed a $1.2 trillion, six-bill package – a critical section of federal funding. Facing a looming deadline and the imminent shutdown of three-quarters of the government, including defense and homeland security, the Senate rushed to advance the legislation.
Budget negotiations teetered on the brink of collapse, with both sides seeking adjustments to the legislation to align with their campaign agendas ahead of the upcoming presidential election.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer hailed the agreement, stating, “It wasn’t easy, but tonight our persistence has been worth it.” He emphasized the bipartisan nature of the agreement and its benefits for the American people. Also, Republican Senator Mitt Romney acknowledged the bill’s imperfections but voted in favor, highlighting its critical funding provisions for the military and border security.
However, tensions within the Republican Party surfaced earlier in the day when Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson relied on Democratic votes to advance the package. This move drew criticism from within his own party, with Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene expressing her discontent and filing a motion to vacate the speaker’s chair.
The resolution, which requires a simple majority to pass, adds another layer of complexity to the already tense political landscape. Greene’s effort reflects a broader discontent among Republicans, although the timeline for further action remains uncertain.
The potential shutdown had threatened to disrupt approximately 70 percent of government agencies and departments. While funding for certain sectors had already been secured, disputes over homeland security funding prolonged negotiations, sparking frustration among Republican hard-liners.
Source: AFP
