US House Averts Shutdown: $460 Billion Spending Bill Heads to Senate
The US House of Representatives has successfully passed a $467.5 billion spending package, marking the initial move to avert a potential partial government shutdown. Approximately 30% of federal government funding, encompassing areas such as agriculture, energy, housing, and veterans’ affairs, faces expiration at midnight on Friday. The bill must now navigate the US Senate, where leaders have expressed commitment to endorsing the measure well in advance.
The comprehensive package, consisting of six funding bills, received a 339-85 vote in the House, representing a compromise reached after extensive negotiations between House and Senate leaders. Once approved by the Senate and signed by President Joe Biden, the 1,050-page legislation will extend funding for numerous federal programs from March 8 until September 30.
Despite this victory, the specter of a shutdown looms as Congress grapples with another funding deadline on March 22, specifically for major government agencies like defense, homeland security, and state departments. Over the past six months, Capitol Hill has been entangled in contentious spending disputes between Republicans, who control the House, and Democrats, who hold the Senate majority.
House Speaker Mike Johnson faced challenges in navigating a slim Republican majority, compounded by opposition from conservative rebels within the party. The House Freedom Caucus, demanding substantial spending cuts amidst the country’s $34.4 trillion debt, often clashed with Democratic counterparts. Johnson acknowledged the need for Republicans to be realistic given their narrow majority, emphasizing the necessity of turning to Democrats for crucial votes.
Notably, 83 Republicans voted against the bill, with the Freedom Caucus criticizing it for neglecting key Republican policy priorities, particularly on immigration. While Speaker Johnson highlighted spending cuts, including 6% to the FBI, 10% to the Environmental Protection Agency, and 7% to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Democrats celebrated preserving food and nutrition programs and thwarting attempts to defund expanded access to abortion pills.
The legislation, although not meeting every party’s desired outcomes, garnered Democratic approval. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut expressed satisfaction in preventing extreme cuts and policies proposed by House Republicans. As the Senate deliberates over the bill, its expected approval brings a timely breakthrough for President Biden, aligning with his upcoming State of the Union address to Congress on Thursday.
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