President Biden signed a government funding bill into law on Saturday, preventing a prolonged shutdown following a chaotic week in Washington. The Senate approved the bill early Saturday morning with an 85-11 vote, just hours after the House passed it 366-34, with more Democrats supporting the measure than Republicans. The legislation was finalized shortly after the Friday midnight deadline for a government shutdown.
In a statement, Biden emphasized that the bipartisan bill delivers disaster relief and funding for key infrastructure projects while rejecting proposed tax cuts for billionaires. He called the agreement a compromise that ensures the government continues to operate fully during the holiday season.
The bill, which extends funding through March 14, includes $100 billion for disaster relief and $10 billion for farmers but does not address the debt ceiling. House Speaker Mike Johnson, facing resistance from Republicans and former President Trump, ultimately removed a debt ceiling suspension to secure support. Johnson described the measure as a “necessary step” to bridge the gap until Republicans take control of Congress and the White House in January.
This marked Johnson’s third attempt to pass a funding bill after previous versions failed due to opposition from Republicans and demands from Trump, including the abolition of the debt ceiling. The final version avoided contentious issues, allowing it to pass with bipartisan support.
The White House expressed relief at the outcome, noting that the bill ensures government operations and provides critical relief to recovering communities. While it fell short of including all Democratic priorities, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries praised it for blocking tax breaks for the wealthy.
The tumultuous week highlighted divisions within the Republican Party and the challenges ahead as they prepare to lead both Congress and the presidency in the new year.
