The U.S. House of Representatives passed a spending bill aimed at preventing a government shutdown.

The bill, which would extend funding for the U.S. government until mid-January next year, is now being sent to the Senate, where Democratic and Republican leaders have voiced their support.

US House Speaker Mike Johnson. Photo: Reuters

To prevent 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 Friday night.

The vote was a victory for House Speaker Mike Johnson, who had faced opposition from some Republican members earlier. Johnson was elected to the position less than three weeks prior, following weeks of turmoil that left the U.S. House of Representatives leaderless.

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

The temporary spending bill would extend current government funding until early 2024, giving lawmakers more time to develop detailed spending bills covering everything from the military to scientific research.

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

Other Republicans argued it was better than other options. “This isn’t the ideal bill,” said Republican Congressman Mike Garcia. “But the 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 until January 19. All other federal activities, including defense, would be funded until February 2.

Trung Kien (according to Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/ha-vien-thong-qua-du-luat-chi-tieu-nham-ngan-chan-viec-chinh-phu-my-dong-cua-post272469.html