President Biden signed a temporary spending bill to avert a government shutdown just before the deadline, giving more time for negotiations with congressional Republicans over the federal budget next year. The bipartisan measure passed both the House and Senate, ensuring that the government remains open until after the holiday season. This potentially provides lawmakers with extra time to resolve their differences over spending levels for the current fiscal year. The bill was signed in San Francisco, where President Biden hosted an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.
The temporary spending package maintains current government funding for about two more months while a long-term package is worked out. It sets two deadlines for passing full-year appropriations bills – Jan. 19 for some federal agencies and Feb. 2 for others, creating two potential dates for a partial government shutdown. This approach was supported by new House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, and received backing from the majority in the Senate.
However, Johnson has stated that he will not support any further stopgap funding measures, as he views the temporary bill as groundwork for a spending battle with the Senate next year. The bill does not include the White House’s nearly $106 billion request for wartime aid for Israel and Ukraine, nor does it address humanitarian funding for Palestinians and other supplemental requests, such as money for border security. Legislators are expected to focus on these issues after the Thanksgiving holiday in the hopes of reaching a deal.
President Biden’s signing of the temporary spending bill averted a government shutdown, providing room for negotiations on federal budget and spending matters. While the bill secured bipartisan support, there are looming challenges ahead, especially in addressing requests for wartime aid and humanitarian funding.
