US lawmakers pass government spending package to avoid shutdown The bill was passed shortly before the midnight deadline on Friday (March 8). British media reported the news.
Before the bill was passed, there was a heated debate between Democratic and Republican lawmakers. Shortly before the last minute, the bill passed the Senate by a vote of 75-22.
The Senate passed six bills totaling $459 billion that would provide 30 percent of the government’s funding. The bill, however, faced opposition from some Republican lawmakers. They argue that no steps have been taken to reduce central expenditure.
Republicans, however, also wanted stronger measures to combat immigration at the southern border.
White House and Senate negotiators clashed over the bipartisan deal last week, a day after congressional lawmakers traveled to the White House to meet with President Joe Biden.
If the bill is not passed, 20 percent spending of several government departments like agriculture, transport, military and health would have to be temporarily stopped by Saturday.
Besides, other central funds including defense expenditure, national security and foreign ministry budgets would have expired in the next week. Earlier government shutdowns shut down various national establishments including employee holidays.
The US government has faced a shutdown or partial shutdown 10 times in the past four decades. The government is going to face another major budget deficit or shutdown on March 22. Congress must adjust the Pentagon’s budget before that.
In addition, with national security issues in this election year, Congress must now agree on another budget for the Department of Homeland Security. Because under this category is the controversial immigration policy that is seen as a particular political issue in the United States.
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