Already a subscriber? Make sure to log into your account before viewing this content. You can access your account by hitting the “login” button on the top right corner. Still unable to see the content after signing in? Make sure your card on file is up-to-date.
President Biden has signed a $1.2 trillion spending package into law which will prevent a government shutdown and secures funding for various parts of the government.
President Biden highlighted the bipartisan compromise in the funding package, saying, “The bipartisan funding bill I just signed keeps the government open, invests in the American people, and strengthens our economy and national security. This agreement represents a compromise, which means neither side got everything it wanted.”
The Senate voted 74-24 to advance this legislation, which arrived at the President’s desk after an early morning vote on Saturday, roughly two hours past the deadline. This move ended a prolonged spending dispute and effectively dodged a partial government shutdown. Before the Senate’s approval, the House had already demonstrated bipartisan support for the bill, passing it with a 286-134 vote.
The spending package, often referred to as the “minibus,” allocates funds to several departments including Defense, Homeland Security, and Education, along with other priorities, extending through the end of the 2024 fiscal year. This follows extensive negotiations, particularly around border security and spending cuts, which have dominated the Congressional agenda for months. Despite some resistance, the package includes significant investments in border security, including enhancements in Border Patrol agents and detention beds.
While the bill avoided steep cuts in many areas, it marked notable adjustments in funding allocation, including for the Department of Defense. Republicans secured concessions, such as blocking funds to the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees. On the other hand, Democrats ensured the inclusion of funding for health and education programs.
