Senate Approves Funding Bill to Prevent Government Shutdown
The U.S. Congress has taken action to prevent a government shutdown by passing a temporary funding bill. The Senate approved the measure with a vote of 77-18, with eighteen Republicans opposing. The bill extends funding for the federal government into March, with the Departments of Agriculture, Energy, Veterans Affairs, Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development receiving appropriations until March 1, and the remaining agencies until March 8. This is the third stopgap measure passed since September, designed to keep government operations running while lawmakers negotiate permanent funding solutions.
The House of Representatives has also moved forward with the legislation, requiring a two-thirds majority due to the fast-tracking of the bill. Despite some opposition, including from Georgia Congressman Clyde, the bill includes $16 billion in cuts to satisfy some conservative members. The bill not only maintains current funding levels for federal agencies but also incorporates provisions on public health and family programs, as well as delaying certain cuts to Medicaid.
The stopgap funding comes amidst ongoing negotiations between House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer over a larger $1.66 trillion funding agreement for the fiscal year 2024. The resolution, which was passed as an amendment to a previously approved House bill regarding waterfowl hunting, also addresses other issues, including rejecting amendments that would have restricted aid to Palestinian territories. As the measure moves to the House for final approval, Speaker Johnson faces challenges from conservatives who are pushing to include border security provisions. The extended deadline provides lawmakers additional time to finalize their annual appropriations.
