Congress passed a temporary measure to keep government agencies funded until December. The bill funds agencies at current levels through Dec. 20 and includes additional funds for the Secret Service and presidential transition. President Biden is expected to sign the bill into law.
The bill received bipartisan support, with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer praising the outcome. House Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized that the bill does only what is necessary to avoid a government shutdown.
Some Republicans opposed the bill, but it ultimately passed with Democratic support. Lawmakers are eager to campaign in their home states, with more challenging fiscal negotiations expected at the end of the year.
The Senate and House have different priorities for spending, making a final agreement difficult to reach. The temporary bill mainly funds the government at current levels, with exceptions like the funding for the Secret Service.
The bill also includes increased oversight for Secret Service funding. Former President Trump thanked lawmakers for the additional funding and urged them to include a requirement for proof of citizenship when registering to vote.
The White House called on both chambers to pass the stopgap bill but noted that it lacks sufficient funding for natural disasters and Veterans Affairs health care. House Speaker Johnson warned against another massive spending bill and indicated that another stopgap measure may be needed in December.
Democrats and Republicans are divided on spending priorities, with Sen. Patty Murray cautioning against following extreme voices in negotiations. The bill sets the stage for more challenging fiscal discussions in the future.
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