Amid Government Shutdown, US Senate Passes $1.2 Trillion Budget Bill
In a crucial move to avoid a federal government shutdown, the U.S. Senate has successfully passed a $1.2 trillion budget bill for the current fiscal year. The bill, which secured a vote of 74:24 in the early hours of Saturday, is now awaiting President Biden’s signature to become law.
The budget bill provides funding until September 30 for key government departments including Defense, Homeland Security, Treasury, and State. This comes as a relief after concerns grew about a looming government shutdown as departments were on the verge of running out of funds.
The breakthrough came just before the midnight deadline as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced a deal had been reached, allowing for the bill’s passage. However, clear differences between Democrats and Republicans persist, particularly on issues like foreign aid and immigration measures.
While the bill passed with bipartisan support, disagreements over foreign aid provisions, notably military aid to Ukraine, Taiwan, and Israel, remain unresolved. Republican hard-liners, in particular, have criticized the cost of the foreign aid omnibus bill and voiced concerns about potential inflation.
Former President Trump’s focus on immigration as a key campaign issue in the upcoming election further adds to the divide between the two parties. It remains to be seen how these differences will be reconciled in future negotiations.
Overall, the passage of the budget bill marks a significant milestone in averting a government shutdown and ensuring vital government functions continue to receive funding. Stay tuned for further developments as the bill moves towards implementation.