The House of Representatives voted 286-134 to pass a massive $1.2 trillion government funding bill, which was unveiled just hours before the deadline to prevent a government shutdown. The Senate followed with a 78-18 vote to advance the bill, but a final vote by all 100 Senators is required to avoid any obstacles and pass the bill before the deadline at midnight. The failure to do so would result in a partial government shutdown on Saturday morning. President Joe Biden has urged Congress to swiftly pass the bill and has promised to sign it into law.
The bill, released on Thursday, provides funding for several key departments including Homeland Security, State, Labor, Defense, Health and Human Services, and other agencies. Coupled with the $459 billion bill passed earlier, the total funding for the federal government would amount to $1.659 trillion until September. This bill comes after months of temporary funding measures and negotiations. Despite in-depth negotiations, Sen. Chris Coons emphasized that the future of the bill lies in the hands of a few Senate Republicans, and their decision would determine if a government shutdown could be averted.
The legislation was the result of negotiations between House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, top appropriators from both parties, and the White House. While both parties have highlighted certain victories in the bill, with Democrats preventing extreme cuts and abortion restrictions, Republicans were content with increased funding for immigration enforcement. However, there were concerns raised by Rep. Chip Roy who criticized the limited time provided to review the bill and the failure to secure desired immigration restrictions. This criticism was heightened by the tragic incident involving a University of Georgia student, which has been a focal point for GOP members.
The hard-right House Freedom Caucus criticized the bill, labeling it as “capitulation,” “surrender,” and “chock full of crap.” They refrained from addressing questions about potential actions against House Speaker Mike Johnson or changes in GOP leadership. Rep. Bob Good, the chair of the Freedom Caucus, clarified that the focus was on the bill and its policies, rather than personnel matters. The skepticism towards the bill was evident on the eve of the vote, with Rep. Matt Gaetz expressing concerns about the implications of removing the speaker.
The passing of the $1.2 trillion government funding bill by the House marks a significant step towards stabilizing the functioning of various essential government departments. As the bill heads to the Senate for further consideration, the fate of the federal budget rests in the hands of Senators as they deliberate on the provisions outlined in the legislation. It is crucial for all parties involved to prioritize the interests of the American people and work towards a consensus that ensures the continued operation of vital government services.