Congress avoids government shutdown

After the House of Representatives voted to pass a stopgap spending measure introduced by U.S. Speaker of the House, Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.), the Senate passed the measure (87 to 11) today to avoid a government shutdown. The temporary funding bill will keep some government offices open through Jan. 19 and others until Feb. 2.

President Biden is expected to sign the bill by tomorrow at midnight. The measure bides Congress more time to negotiate a long-term agreement without shutting down.

“This Friday night there will be no government shutdown,” Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said. “Because of bipartisan cooperation, we are keeping the government open without any poison pills or harmful cuts to vital programs—a great outcome for the American people.”

The measure includes 12 spending bills in total that will increase funding for military construction, veterans benefits, transportation, housing, urban development, agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration, and energy and water programs until January. All other federal operations will end in February under the measure, Causes.com reported. The measure doesn’t include any funding for aid in Israel, Ukraine, or at the U.S.-Mexico border, like Biden has requested.

“This two-step continuing resolution is a necessary bill to place House Republicans in the best position to fight for conservative victories,” Rep. Johnson said. “The bill will stop absurd holiday-season omnibus tradition of massive, loaded up spending bills introduced right before the Christmas recess.” 

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