Senate Passes $460 Billion Spending Bill to Avert Government Shutdown
In a race against the clock, the Senate gave final approval on Friday to a $460 billion spending bill to fund about half of the federal government through the fall. The legislation now heads to President Biden’s desk just hours before a potential partial shutdown.
The 75-to-22 vote marked a resolution to a spending stalemate that has gripped Congress for months, pushing the government to the brink of shutdown multiple times. With funding set to lapse at midnight, the White House announced that preparations for a shutdown were halted, and President Biden is expected to sign the bill on Saturday.
While this bill covers funding for various federal programs, including agriculture, energy, transportation, and veterans, negotiations are still ongoing for the remaining half of the government, particularly for the Pentagon. Congress must pass a spending bill for the Pentagon by March 22 to avoid a shutdown.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer praised the bipartisan effort, stating, “To folks who worry that divided government means nothing ever gets done, this bipartisan package says otherwise.” The bill adheres to funding levels negotiated last year, keeping spending on domestic programs steady while allowing for a slight increase in military spending.
Democrats rejected several divisive Republican policy demands, including efforts to defund a new FDA rule on medication abortion and cuts to nutritional benefits for low-income families. Despite some smaller victories for House Republicans, including cuts to certain agencies, the bill ultimately passed with bipartisan support.
However, one Democrat, Senator Christopher S. Murphy of Connecticut, opposed the bill due to a provision related to gun control. He stated, “I’m voting no because I do not accept a return to a time when the gun lobby could bury gun riders in appropriations bills.”
Overall, the passage of this spending bill represents a significant step in avoiding a government shutdown and providing funding for key federal programs.
