USA (Washington Insider Magazine)—President Joe Biden signed a $1.2 trillion spending bill on Saturday, avoiding a partial government shutdown and funding key federal agencies through September 30.
“The bipartisan funding bill I just signed keeps the government open, invests in the American people, and strengthens our economy and national security,” Biden said in a statement from his home in Wilmington, Delaware.
The legislation passed the Senate with a decisive 74-24 vote shortly after the midnight deadline. Shutdown preparations were halted as confidence grew that the bill would pass and be signed into law.
Key Provisions of the Funding Bill
The package secures funding for critical departments, including Homeland Security, Justice, State, and Treasury. It excludes allocations for military aid to Ukraine, Taiwan, and Israel, which are addressed in a separate Senate-passed bill awaiting action in the Republican-led House.
Additionally, the bill halts US funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) until March 2025, citing allegations of involvement in Hamas-related activities.
Bipartisan Negotiations and Highlights
The funding package faced delays due to gridlock between conservatives pushing for spending cuts and Democrats advocating for program expansions. Key provisions include:
- Defense Spending: More than 70% of the budget supports military and defense initiatives.
- Immigration Enforcement: Increased funding for 8,000 additional migrant detention beds and 2,000 new border patrol agents.
- Social Programs: A $1 billion boost for Head Start, childcare centers for military families, and increased funding for cancer and Alzheimer’s research.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer praised the deal as a hard-fought bipartisan compromise, saying,
“It wasn’t easy, but tonight our persistence has been worth it.”
Legislative Challenges
The spending process, delayed six months into the fiscal year, required multiple stopgap measures to maintain government operations. House Speaker Mike Johnson faced resistance within his party but emphasized the bipartisan benefits of the bill.
The package reflects a balancing act, addressing conservative demands for stricter immigration policies while securing Democratic priorities like expanded healthcare and research funding.
Looking Ahead
With the government now funded through September, Congress has a reprieve from shutdown threats but faces renewed debates on military aid and future appropriations.
Biden’s signing marks a crucial step in stabilizing federal operations amidst ongoing political divisions.
