December 21, 2024
A government shutdown was averted as the US Congress cleared a funding bill that is now headed to President Biden for approval. The Senate, under the threat of a looming shutdown deadline, expedited the final passage of a bipartisan plan on Saturday. This plan will ensure temporary funding for federal operations and disaster aid.
President-elect Donald Trump had demanded an increase in the debt limit to extend into the new year. However, these demands were not included in the final bill. House Speaker Mike Johnson had stressed that Congress would “meet our obligations” to prevent federal operations from closing ahead of the holiday season.
Uncertainty prevailed during the day when Trump reiterated his demand for a debt ceiling increase to be part of any deal. In an early morning post, he suggested that if this was not adhered to, the shutdown should “start now.”
Speaker Johnson, who had to balance the colossal task of continuing government operations, appeasing Trump, and maintaining his own position, led the House to approve his new bill with an overwhelming majority of 366-34 votes.
The Senate also worked past the deadline into the night to pass the bill, with 85-11 votes in favor. Following the clearance of the bill, the White House announced at midnight that it had stopped shutdown preparations.
