US Senate passes bill to prevent government shutdown before the last minute

Earlier, the bill drafted by the Republican Party had been passed by the House of Representatives. The House members then left the capital, forcing the US Senate to either pass it or face a government shutdown at midnight on March 15th (11:00 AM on March 15th in Vietnam time).

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (center) and several other members voted to help the government budget bill overcome a block on March 14.

Many Democratic senators oppose the bill because it doesn't include any of the party's requested provisions. According to The Hill , the bill increases defense spending by $6 billion, raises budgets for border law enforcement, and cuts non-defense spending by $13 billion. However, these amounts represent only a small fraction of the total $1.7 trillion allocated in the bill, according to AP.

More concerning for Democrats is that the bill lacks specific directives on how the money should be spent, potentially allowing the Trump administration to redirect funds to programs it prioritizes.

Some Democratic senators have called for opposing the bill and passing another temporary spending bill within 30 days, instead of waiting until September. However, this effort has not received any support from the Republicans, who hold a majority in the Senate with 53 seats.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said on March 13 that he would vote in favor of the bill because a government shutdown could lead to far more serious consequences. He explained that the Trump administration would then have the power to determine which federal agencies, programs, and employees are necessary or unnecessary, leading to them prioritizing budget allocations and furloughing employees as they see fit.

Therefore, Schumer, along with eight Democratic senators and an independent senator close to the party, voted with the Republicans to help the bill advance to the final voting round without being hampered by filibustering tactics. Earlier, Republican Senator Rand Paul had said he would oppose the bill. Some Democrats criticized Schumer as a "traitor."

In that final round of voting, the bill was passed by the Senate with 54 votes in favor and 46 against. Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen and independent Senator Angus King voted in favor, while Senator Rand Paul voted against.

The bill is expected to be signed into law by President Trump. With the bill passed, the US Congress will not have to fight for government funding again until September.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/thuong-vien-my-thong-qua-du-luat-ngan-chinh-phu-dong-cua-truoc-gio-chot-185250315071735075.htm