President Biden Signs Temporary Government Funding Bill
WASHINGTON — In a move to keep government agencies operational until December, President Joe Biden signed a temporary government spending bill on Thursday. This measure was necessary as Congress has postponed key spending decisions until after the November election.
The bill, which funds agencies at current levels through Dec. 20, sets the stage for a potential government shutdown just before the holiday season. The legislation includes an additional $231 million to enhance the Secret Service following two assassination attempts against President Trump, as well as funds to support the presidential transition.
The bipartisan bill easily passed in Congress with a vote of 341-82 in the House and 78-18 in the Senate, with Republicans casting all the opposing votes in both chambers.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., emphasized that the measure only addresses the essential needs to avoid a government shutdown, reassuring members of his own party concerned about spending levels.
Congress’ inability to complete work on the annual appropriations bills, with only five out of 12 bills passed in the House and none in the Senate, led to the necessity of this temporary funding measure.
With the holiday season fast approaching, the focus will now shift to resolving key spending decisions as Congress continues its work on funding the federal government.
