Congress passed a short-term funding extension on Thursday to allow more time to finalize the annual spending bills and prevent a government shutdown. The stopgap bill will keep funding mostly flat through March 8 and March 22 for various programs. The House and Senate both approved the measure, with bipartisan support.
Senators rejected amendments that would have affected the Federal Reserve’s activities and proposed to extend the stopgap bill through September, among other changes. The bill now awaits President Joe Biden’s signature before the midnight deadline for some departments.
House Republicans and Senate Democrats have had disagreements on spending levels and policy. After various delays and negotiations, lawmakers released the first package of six spending bills for voting this weekend, with House Speaker Mike Johnson emphasizing bipartisan cooperation and adherence to spending levels.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer highlighted the importance of bipartisanship in divided government, while Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell expressed commitment to avoiding a government shutdown. Congress aims to complete all appropriations bills by the March 22 deadline, placing lawmakers behind schedule but on track to prevent a shutdown.
The upcoming budget request for fiscal year 2025 signals the start of a new round of government funding discussions. Despite deep disagreements and delays, Congress has navigated the appropriations process through bipartisan efforts and aims to pass all bills in due time.
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