The House has passed a temporary spending bill, preventing a government shutdown and extending funding discussions into December. The stopgap measure, supported by a bipartisan majority, will give lawmakers 80 days to negotiate a long-term spending plan for fiscal year 2025.
House Approves Stopgap Bill to Prevent Shutdown
On Wednesday night, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a bill to prevent a government shutdown, pushing the tough spending decisions to the end of the year. The measure ensures federal agencies can operate with their current budgets until December 20.
Bipartisan Support for Spending Patch
The bill, passed with a 341-82 vote, received more support from Democrats than Republicans. Speaker Mike Johnson, who faced opposition from within his own party, had to rely on Democratic votes to pass the continuing resolution (CR). A majority of Republicans voted in favor, with 132 in support and 82 opposed.
Additional Funding for Key Agencies
The CR provides an additional $231 million to the Secret Service and allows FEMA’s disaster relief fund to continue functioning through hurricane season. The Senate is expected to pass the measure, allowing lawmakers to avoid a shutdown and focus on the upcoming November election.
80 Days to Negotiate New Federal Budgets
Once signed by President Joe Biden, Congress will have 80 days to negotiate a comprehensive budget plan for fiscal year 2025. Lawmakers will have to address spending for both defense and non-defense programs, which are capped at a 1 percent increase as part of a debt limit deal negotiated last summer.
Tough Funding Battles Looming in December
Negotiations will likely focus on defense spending, domestic program funding, and a shortfall at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Both parties are expected to debate the need for additional disaster relief funding, particularly after FEMA paused some projects due to limited resources.
Post-Election Spending Dynamics
After the November elections, lawmakers will return to a shifting political landscape, where funding priorities will be reassessed. The final budget deal could include significant changes, depending on which party controls Congress and the White House. Republicans may push for spending offsets, such as cuts to IRS funding, which Democrats are likely to oppose.
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