Congressional leaders have released a $1.2 trillion spending package to fund various federal government departments, including state, defense, and homeland security, through September. The bill has received praise from House Speaker Republican Mike Johnson for allocating more resources to border patrol and cutting funding for the main UN relief agency aiding Palestinians. Democrats have lauded the investments in childcare and successfully prevented cuts to essential government services.
The House is expected to pass the package on Friday, leaving the Senate with little time to approve it before the shutdown deadline at midnight. President Joe Biden has indicated his willingness to sign the spending bill once it reaches his desk. However, some hard-right Republican members are pushing back against the legislation, particularly regarding immigration policies.
In order to prevent a government shutdown, the bill will need to receive unanimous agreement in the Senate on an expedited timeline. Senate Majority Leader Democrat Chuck Schumer has expressed confidence that bipartisan cooperation will help avoid a shutdown. The deadline is looming, and all eyes are on the Senate to swiftly pass the bill to keep the government funded.
