US Government Shutdown Averted: Funding Bill Passes Senate, Awaits Biden’s Signature

US Government Shutdown Averted: The U.S. Congress passed spending legislation early on Saturday in a down-to-the-wire burst of activity that will avert a destabilizing government shutdown ahead of the busy holiday travel season. The Democratic-controlled Senate in an 85-11 vote passed the bill to continue government funding 38 minutes after it expired at midnight (0500 GMT Saturday). The government did not invoke shutdown procedures in the interim.

More than 800,000 federal workers were at risk of being sent home without pay before the vote. The bill now awaits President Joe Biden’s signature to become law, ensuring government funding through mid-March and avoiding immediate fiscal turmoil.

On Friday evening, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson relied on Democratic support to pass the bill, overcoming resistance from hardline GOP representatives and multibillionaire Elon Musk who, with President-elect Donald Trump, helped kill the original bipartisan funding deal on Wednesday.

Also Read: RPSC Senior Teacher 2024 Admit Card Release Date Announced, Exam District Details Out Today

On Thursday, the House rejected a deal backed by Trump that would have kept the government's doors open, with dozens of Republicans joining with Democrats to sink it. That bill was a slimmed-down version of a bipartisan plan, known as a continuing resolution, that Trump and his allies torpedoed earlier in the week.

Under the proposal, the 118-page bill contains most of the provisions that were put in place in the bipartisan bill that was agreed to on Wednesday. The bill includes $100 billion for disaster aid, $30 billion for farmers and a one-year extension of the farm bill, provisions that were under heavy debate prior to this week's votes.

Also Read: Temple in Tamil Nadu Keeps iPhone Dropped in Hundi, Refuses to Return

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., was asked whether senators would vote before the midnight deadline for a government shutdown.

"We're working through the amendment process right now," Schumer told reporters at about 7:30 p.m.

If the Senate amended the bill, the House would have to vote on it again. If the Senate approves Biden is expected to sign. The public will unlikely notice a brief lapse in government funding during a weekend.

Also Read: Mumbai Boat Accident: Parents Contemplated Tossing Kids into Sea Water, Reveals CISF Jawan