Share this @internewscast.com

WASHINGTON — Congress passed a bill on Thursday that would prevent a partial government shutdown this weekend and keep federal funds flowing through March 1 and March 8.

The Democratic-led Senate voted 77-18 on final passage after considering a few amendments. The Republican-led House soon followed suit, passing it by a vote of 314-108.

The bill now goes to President Joe Biden’s desk to become law before the funding expires Friday at midnight.

It is the third stopgap bill since last September as the divided Congress struggles to agree on full-year government funding bills. Thursday’s bill passed with mostly Democratic votes, with 107 Republicans voting for it and 106 voting against it.

A recent deal between Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., on how much to spend in the new year has renewed hope of completing the process by the new early March deadlines. But that is far from guaranteed as right-wing House Republicans rebel against it.

The first stopgap bill led to the ouster of Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., as speaker. His successor, Johnson, is seeking to avoid the same fate by selling the conservative victories in the latest deal.

Before the Senate vote, Schumer inveighed against “a loud contingent of hard-right rabble-rousers who thinks a shutdown is somehow a good thing.”

“In the twisted logic of the hard right, the theory is if enough people feel the pain of a shutdown, the hard-right can bully the rest of Congress into enacting their deeply unpopular agenda,” Schumer said on the Senate floor Thursday morning. “Bullying, intimidation, chaos. This is MAGA extremism in a nutshell.”

Around the same time, the House announced that it would cancel votes on Friday in anticipation of a winter storm and complete votes on the stopgap bill on Thursday.

The bill would extend the two-part government funding deadlines from Jan. 19 to March 1, and from Feb. 2 to March 8. The funding bill is unrelated to negotiations surrounding an immigration and national security supplemental bill that would provide aid to Ukraine and Israel. It’s designed to give appropriators more time to craft the 12 appropriations bills that fully fund the government using the newly agreed-to spending levels.

“We need just a little bit more time on the calendar to allow that process to play out,” Johnson told reporters, saying he’s “very hopeful” that Congress can pass all 12 measures.

“We’ll see how this develops. Certainly, we’re not going to have an omnibus,” he said, referring to the massive, last-minute spending bills Congress has frequently relied on. “And that was a very important innovation for us to forge forward because it’s no way to run a railroad.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Who is the real Schlossberg —serious politician, fantasist, internet troll, or all three?

Unveiling Schlossberg: Politician, Dreamer, or Online Provocateur?

Jack Schlossberg, the sole grandson of President John F. Kennedy, is following…
'Quiet Death': What to know about the American torpedo that sank Iranian warship, killing 87

Discover the Untold Story Behind the American Torpedo’s Impact on an Iranian Warship and the Tragic Loss of 87 Lives

The recent sinking of the Iranian warship IRIS Dena by a single…
Mamdani claims wife Rama Duwaji isn't a public figure — despite glossy magazine profiles — after uproar over Oct. 7 post 'likes'

Mamdani Defends Wife Rama Duwaji’s Privacy Amid Controversy Over Social Media Activity

On Friday, Mayor Zohran Mamdani asserted that his wife, Rama Duwaji, is…
JD Vance says he was ‘too harsh’ on US Catholic bishops

JD Vance Reflects on Initial Critique, Admits to Being ‘Too Harsh’ on US Catholic Bishops

Vice President JD Vance has acknowledged that his previous remarks about US…
San Francisco stabbing exposes controverisal mug shot policy

San Francisco Stabbing Sparks Debate Over Mug Shot Policy

In a move that’s sparking heated debate among San Francisco residents, the…
Gavin Newsom schmoozes Dem heavyweights at Jesse Jackson memorial

Gavin Newsom Connects with Top Democrats at Jesse Jackson Memorial Event

California’s Governor Gavin Newsom appeared to transform a solemn occasion into a…
Emergency landing ends in tragedy as plane crashes on New Mexico golf course

Tragic Plane Crash on New Mexico Golf Course Following Emergency Landing Attempt

Tragedy struck on Friday morning when a small plane crashed onto the…
fellow Soviet Union 'descendants' are 'more cultured' than other Americans

Former Soviet Union Descendants Considered More Cultured Than Other Americans, Study Reveals

A Brooklyn politician, originally from the USSR, recently stirred controversy by suggesting…
Israel strikes Khamenei

Israel Targets Hidden Military Bunker of Late Iranian Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Strategic Strike

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) revealed on Friday that they have successfully…
Oscars red carpet: What it takes for celebrities to get picture perfect for Hollywood's Biggest Night

Behind the Glam: How Celebrities Achieve Red Carpet Perfection for Hollywood’s Biggest Night at the Oscars

The Oscars represent a glamorous fusion of cinema and style, where talent…
Coast Guard rescue swimmer dies after medical evacuation mission off Washington coast turns tragic

Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer Tragically Dies Following Medical Evacuation Mission off Washington Coast

The U.S. Coast Guard has confirmed the tragic passing of Petty Officer…
Two Florida students, 10 and 11, arrested over alleged shooting threats: 'Discipline your kids'

Two Florida Students, Aged 10 and 11, Detained for Alleged Shooting Threats: A Call for Parental Responsibility

In Volusia County, Florida, two young students, aged 10 and 11, found…