Government Budget Bill Passes to Avoid Shutdown, President Biden’s Signature Secures Funding

Government Budget Bill to Avoid Shutdown Passes with President Biden’s Signature

The government budget bill aimed at preventing a shutdown has successfully passed and been confirmed through President Biden’s signature. The bill received a vote of 87-11, ensuring the continuation of government funding and avoiding a weekend shutdown. It will now be sent to President Biden for his signature, and he has expressed readiness to sign the bill, maintaining the current level of funding without any harmful policy riders.

Expanded Funding Support and Priorities

The temporary spending bill includes a two-step plan that extends funding until January 19th for priority areas, including military construction, veterans’ issues, transportation, housing, and energy departments. Remaining government agencies will receive funding until February 2nd. It is important to note that this bill does not include additional support for Israel or Ukraine.

Senate Vote on House-Passed Bill

The Senate is currently conducting a vote on the temporary bill passed by the House to maintain government operations. This bill extends funding until January 19th for priority agencies such as military construction, veterans’ issues, transportation, housing, and energy departments. Remaining government agencies will receive funding until February 2nd. Similar to the previous bill, this one does not include additional support for Israel or Ukraine.

Consideration of Procedural Steps Delayed

The consideration of the temporary spending bill has been delayed due to procedural steps related to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Senator Roger Wicker, the Republican spokesman for the Senate Armed Services Committee, believes that the NDAA conference issues need to be resolved before proceeding with the spending bill. However, all issues related to the NDAA conference have been resolved except for one issue awaiting agreement from a senator.

Agreement Reached on Vote for Temporary Bill

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has announced an agreement on the vote for the temporary bill to avoid a government shutdown. He expressed confidence that the bill could pass today with cooperation from both sides. If the bill passes, funding can be extended until January 19th for various priority areas and until February 2nd for remaining government agencies. Similar to the previous bill, this one does not include additional support for Israel or Ukraine.

Negotiations Ongoing for Finalization Tonight

According to Senate sources, negotiations are ongoing tonight to pass the temporary government funding bill and allow senators to return home for the Thanksgiving recess. There is a possibility that tomorrow’s session may be canceled if an agreement is reached. The final vote on the bill could take place within the next few hours.

Optimism for Same-Day Vote

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is optimistic about a same-day vote on the funding bill passed by the House. He emphasized the goal of avoiding dramatic resolutions, delays, and a government shutdown. If the bill passes, funding can be extended until January 19th for various priority areas and until February 2nd for remaining government agencies.

White House Confirms President Biden’s Willingness to Sign

The White House has confirmed that President Biden is prepared to sign the government funding bill approved by the House if it passes the Senate. Signing the bill would avoid a shutdown and maintain the current funding levels without any harmful policy riders. The White House has also urged House Republicans to collaborate with Democrats to process annual spending bills and address urgent national security and domestic needs.

Senate Aims to Conclude Business Before Thanksgiving

The Senate is making efforts to pass the temporary spending bill and conclude business before the Thanksgiving recess. Discussions are ongoing, and senators hope to reach an agreement and pass the bill before leaving for the recess. If the bill passes, funding can be extended until January 19th for various priority areas and until February 2nd for remaining government agencies.

Analysis: Unproductive Weeks in Congress

CNN’s Stephen Collinson analyzes the unproductive and chaotic weeks in Congress leading up to the Thanksgiving recess. He raises questions about the seriousness and functionality of the legislative institution, highlighting the dramatic episodes and confrontations. Despite the difficulties, the House has passed the temporary funding bill to support the government, but divisions within the Republican Party and the need for Democratic votes continue to fuel ongoing struggles within Congress.

Overall, Congress has taken important steps to pass the temporary spending bill and avoid a government shutdown. If the bill passes, funding for various priority areas will be extended until January 19th, and remaining government agencies will receive funding until February 2nd. The Senate is currently voting on the bill, and efforts are being made to avoid delays or dramatic situations for a same-day vote. President Biden has expressed his willingness to sign the bill and maintain the current funding levels, avoiding harmful policy beneficiaries. Negotiations are ongoing to finalize the bill tonight and allow senators to return home for the Thanksgiving recess.