Congress Approves Funding Through March 14, Averting Government Shutdown

Dec 21, 2024, 05:57 AM

The U.S. Congress passed a stopgap funding bill to avert a government shutdown, extending federal funding until March 14. The House of Representatives approved the bill by a vote of 366-34, with one member voting present and all opposing votes coming from Republicans. The bill includes over $100 billion in disaster and agricultural aid. The Senate passed the measure shortly after the midnight deadline with an 85-11 vote, sending it to President Joe Biden's desk for his signature. Despite missing the deadline, the Office of Management and Budget indicated that federal agencies would remain open. The temporary budget bill does not address the debt limit, despite calls from former President Donald Trump and Elon Musk to include a provision to suspend the debt ceiling. President Biden is expected to sign the bill promptly.