US averts shutdown as Trump sets the stage for his presidency
In a decisive move to prevent a government shutdown, the U.S. Congress passed a bipartisan funding bill early Saturday morning, ensuring federal operations continue uninterrupted. The Senate approved the measure with an 85-11 vote, shortly after the House’s strong bipartisan endorsement.
The legislation secures government funding through March 14 and allocates $100 billion for disaster relief and $10 billion to support farmers. Notably, it excludes President-elect Donald Trump’s demand for a debt ceiling increase, a point of contention during negotiations.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, who initially faced resistance from fiscal conservatives and influential figures like Elon Musk, revised the proposal to gain broader support. The final bill’s passage reflects a compromise, balancing immediate funding needs with concerns over fiscal responsibility.
President Joe Biden promptly signed the bill into law, averting a shutdown that could have disrupted services and furloughed federal employees during the holiday season. This resolution provides temporary stability, but debates over the debt ceiling and long-term fiscal policies are expected to resume in the new year.
The negotiations highlighted divisions within the Republican Party, as some members opposed Trump’s push for a debt ceiling suspension, citing fiscal concerns. This internal dissent underscores potential challenges the incoming administration may face in advancing its economic agenda.
As the government remains funded into March, lawmakers are anticipated to engage in further discussions to address the debt ceiling and other fiscal matters, setting the stage for significant policy debates under President-elect Trump’s forthcoming administration.
