Partial Government Shutdown Averted

The US Senate passed an 11th hour legislation thwarting a partial government shutdown. The Senate cleared the sprawling $1.2 trillion package in a 74 to 24 vote. It comes after the House passed the bill Friday, despite the opposition from far right Republicans, in a vote of 286 to 134. Natalie Brand has more now from Capitol Hill. Good morning, Natalie.

Good morning, Michelle. The vote in the Senate happened just after 2:00 this morning. It was delayed by a late night standoff over some proposed amendments, but finally lawmakers reached a deal, meaning government agencies will not shut down. Senators haggled into the 11th hour, finally voting overnight to pass the $1.2 trillion spending package to avoid a government shutdown.

It’s been a very long and difficult day, but we have just reached an agreement to complete the job of funding the government.

Earlier Friday, the House Speaker mustered the two thirds needed to move forward in the lower chamber, but not without the threat of revolt.

Today, I filed a motion to vacate after Speaker Johnson has betrayed our conference and broken our rules.

Trump ally, Marjorie Taylor Green, calling it a warning. Members on both sides say they do not want another ouster.

Going through a Speaker’s fight again is absurd.

I don’t like it at all. I think it’s a very dumb move.

Republicans tout boosting spending for immigration enforcement while making cuts to foreign aid and the IRS. Democrats point to more money for childcare and early education programs, as well as cancer research. Around 70% of the spending bill goes to defense. That includes a 5.2% pay raise for service members, the biggest increase in more than two decades.

And that’s a really big deal because food costs are up, fuel costs are up, housing, utility, all of these costs have increased.

Besa Pinchotti of the National Military Family Association is pleased but exhausted by Congress cutting it so close to their deadline time and time again.

(02:06)
You have to make preparations as if you may not get that paycheck.

Absolutely. You don’t know if you should pay your childcare for next week or if you should go to the groceries.

Now, following the overnight vote, the government is now funded for the next six months, pushing the next potential shutdown threat into the fall. As for the bill, it heads to the President. Since he’s spending the weekend in Wilmington, Delaware, we expect it will be delivered to him for a signature today. Jeff.

Natalie, thank you.