US House passes spending bill to avert government shutdown

The bill, which would extend funding for the US government through mid-January next year, now heads to the Senate, where Democratic and Republican leaders have voiced support.

Congress passes spending bill to curb US government spending in Figure 1 — US House Speaker Mike Johnson. Photo: Reuters

To avert a shutdown, the Republican-controlled Senate and House of Representatives must pass legislation that President Joe Biden can sign into law before current funding for U.S. federal agencies expires next Friday night.

The vote was a victory for House Speaker Mike Johnson, who had faced opposition from some Republicans. Johnson was elected to the position less than three weeks ago, after weeks of turmoil that left the House leaderless.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, said in a statement Tuesday evening after the vote that he was pleased the bill passed “with strong bipartisan support,” adding that he would work with his Senate Republican counterpart, Mitch McConnell, to pass the bill “as soon as possible.”

The temporary spending bill would extend funding for the US government at current levels through early 2024, giving lawmakers more time to craft detailed spending bills covering everything from the military to scientific research.

The bill passed with 209 Democrats and 127 Republicans, while 93 Republicans and 2 Democrats voted against.

Other Republicans said it was better than other options. “This is not an ideal bill,” said Republican Rep. Mike Garcia. “But a shutdown is a much worse world .”

Johnson's bill would extend funding for military construction, veterans benefits, transportation, housing, urban development, agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration, and energy and water programs through Jan. 19. All other federal activities, including defense, would be funded through Feb. 2.

Trung Kien (according to Reuters)

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