Congress passes temporary bill to avoid shutdown, sends measure to Biden's desk
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Congress on Wednesday passed a temporary measure that keeps government agencies funded into December, avoiding a shutdown for now while punting final spending decisions until after the Nov. 5 election. The Senate approved the measure by a vote of 78-18 after the House passed it in a 341-82 vote. The bill now goes to President Joe Biden's desk for his signature. The bill generally funds agencies at current levels through Dec.
20. But an additional $231 million was included to bolster the Secret Service after the two assassination attempts against Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. Money was also added to aid with the presidential transition, among other things. This bipartisanship is a good outcome for America, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said moments before the vote. I hope it sets the tone for more constructive, bipartisan work when we return in the fall.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La. , billed the measure as doing only what's absolutely necessary, a statement directed at members of his own conference concerned about spending levels. Still, it was a no-go for some Republicans, which forced House GOP leadership to rely on Democratic votes to pass the bill through a process that requires at least two-thirds support from voting members.