President Joe Biden has signed a bipartisan funding bill into law, successfully averting a government shutdown. The legislation, passed by both the Democratic-controlled Senate and Republican-controlled House, ensures government operations continue through mid-March, averting significant disruption during the year-end holiday season.
Biden, who signed the bill on Saturday, called the agreement a compromise, stating, “Neither side got everything it wanted. But it rejects the accelerated pathway to a tax cut for billionaires that Republicans sought, and ensures the government can continue to operate at full capacity.” He added that the deal is beneficial to the American people, especially as families gather to celebrate the holidays.
The Senate approved the funding measure by an overwhelming 85-11 vote just 38 minutes after the midnight deadline. Earlier on Friday, the bill had passed in the House with bipartisan support.
The agreement caps a week of uncertainty in Congress, sparked when President-elect Donald Trump and his adviser, Elon Musk, objected to the initial deal. Trump demanded an increase in the government’s borrowing limit, threatening a shutdown if his conditions weren’t met. Lawmakers then spent several days negotiating to secure a compromise.
Had the shutdown occurred, up to 875,000 federal workers would have been furloughed, and another 1.4 million would have been required to work without pay.
The final legislation continues government funding at current levels through March 14. It includes $100 billion in disaster relief and $10 billion in assistance for farmers. However, some provisions favored by Democrats were removed, with party leaders accusing Republicans of yielding to pressure from Musk, a billionaire with no government experience.
Several Republicans voted against the bill, arguing it failed to reduce spending. House Speaker Mike Johnson defended the compromise, stating it was a necessary step to lay the groundwork for more influence in the upcoming year when Republicans will hold majorities in both chambers of Congress.
Despite the bill’s passage, the week’s events raise questions about Johnson’s leadership, with a narrow Republican majority in the House and the upcoming vote for Speaker on January 3.
