President Joe Biden signed Congress’ $1.2 trillion spending package on Saturday, marking the culmination of a protracted legislative effort to finalize the remaining bills essential for sustaining government operations until October 1.
This significant step comes after months of Congressional deliberations and temporary funding measures that narrowly prevented government shutdowns, highlighting the challenges in reaching a permanent budget resolution.
In a statement on Saturday, President Biden emphasized the bipartisan nature of the funding bill and its role in ensuring the continuity of government functions while making investments in American society and bolstering economic and national security interests. He acknowledged the compromise involved in the agreement, recognizing that neither side achieved all its objectives.
Biden (Credits: Axios)
The weekend’s budget agreement was reached just ahead of the midnight deadline on Friday, a pattern that has characterized much of this fiscal year, with last-minute disagreements often impeding the finalization of comprehensive deals.
The Senate passed the budget with a 74-24 vote around 2 a.m. ET on Saturday, slightly beyond the deadline due to lingering disputes. Despite this delay, the White House reassured that official shutdown procedures would not commence as a deal had been ultimately reached, with only procedural steps remaining.
Earlier on Friday, the House also passed its vote after addressing a lingering issue concerning funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which had caused delays in negotiations. The White House’s reservations regarding this matter further prolonged discussions, causing a delay in the release of the budget proposal’s legislative text.
Biden (Credits: ABC News)
The $1.2 trillion spending package encompasses six appropriation bills allocating funds to various sectors, including defense, financial services, homeland security, health, and human services. Congress had previously approved $459 billion for the initial six appropriations bills in March, which pertained to less contentious agencies and facilitated smoother negotiations.
With government funding secured for the remainder of the fiscal year, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has resolved a significant impending challenge. However, his efforts to navigate the differing factions within the House have stirred further tensions.
Prior to the House’s passage of the spending package on Friday morning, conservative House Republicans criticized the bill in a press conference. Following the bill’s narrow approval, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, a far-right Republican, promptly filed a motion to remove Speaker Johnson from his position.
This attempt to oust a House Speaker over budget disagreements echoes a similar incident in October when former Speaker Kevin McCarthy faced removal after striking a deal with Democrats to avert a government shutdown. Johnson’s efforts to appease the House’s conservative wing, known as the Freedom Caucus, underscore the ongoing tensions within the Republican Party.
