NewsNational Politics

Actions

Despite missing midnight deadline, Congress passes bill to avert government shutdown

The bill passed 85-11 in the Senate. It now goes to President Biden for expected signature.
1695764425_IBIZlp.jpg
Posted
and last updated

The U.S. Senate voted 85 to 11 early Saturday morning to pass a funding bill that would fund the government for the first months of the new year.

Despite missing the midnight deadline, the White House said the Office of Management and Budget ceased shut down operations because it anticipated the "imminent" passing of the continuing resolution.

The bill now goes to President Joe Biden. The White House said it would sign it on Saturday.

The bill passed in the House earlier on Friday by a largely bipartisan vote of 366-34, with Rep. Jasmine Crockett voting present. All Democrats in the House but Crockett voted to pass the bill. All nay votes were by Republican representatives.

RELATED STORY | Former Speaker Pelosi has hip replacement surgery after suffering injury during overseas trip

The bill had been slightly altered from the one that failed on Thursday. The latest bill will not have a provision for a debt limit extension until January 30, 2027. That was a provision backed by President-elect Donald Trump.

Instead, the bill calls for the government to be funded through mid-March at current levels. It also provides millions of dollars for disaster relief to help communities impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, as well as farmers who have been impacted by droughts, wildfires and floods.

"We are excited about this outcome tonight," House Speaker Mike Johnson said after the vote. "We're grateful that everyone stood together to do the right thing. Having gotten this done now, as the last order of business for the year, we are set up for a big and important new start in January. We can't wait to get to that point. We encourage swift passage in the Senate now. They need to do their job as the House just did."

RELATED STORY | Rep. Mace claims she was 'physically accosted' by transgender rights advocate