First change:
Four hours before the federal government ran out of funds to operate, lawmakers in the upper house of the US Congress agreed to avoid this scenario. Approval of the document allows funding for several government agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, although there is another group that remains without coverage and will be at risk if its funding is not approved before March 22.
Again, the default that plagued America was chased away. Republicans and Democrats had to agree in record time to authorize the necessary funding to keep the government running.
With 75 votes in favor and 22 votes against, the bipartisan plan will now allow agencies to operate including agriculture, transportation, housing, energy, veterans resources and other programs.
The approval came days after the Republican-majority House of Representatives also approved the proposal; At the time, however, an emergency call from President Joe Biden was necessary for lawmakers to move forward with negotiations.
“For people worried that a divided government can't get anything done, this bipartisan package says otherwise,” Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said before the vote.
This bipartisan package fully funds WIC for 7 million moms and babies
It creates infrastructure legislation for our roads and bridges and highways
We can hire more air traffic controllers and rail safety inspectors
It helps take care of our veterans
And many more
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) March 9, 2024
No approval for part of the budget
While the U.S. Congress rarely meets early deadlines for passing such laws, the Legislature has so far had to pass four temporary funding bills to maintain agency operations.
But the tentative plans further postponed the country's spending problem, postponing the issue to future debates and leaving a difficult task to the last minute.
In this case, although the approval was given this Friday, March 8, there is still a group of companies without government financial protection for part of the agencies throughout the financial year – until September 30.
After congressional approval, the U.S. again avoids shutting down the federal government
The armed forces, national security, medical care, health care programs, financial services and foreign affairs, aid to Israel and Ukraine will be discussed.
The package, more expensive than already authorized, would bring the total cost of the spending to about $1.66 trillion and pay down the national debt past $34.5 trillion, though the bill's future could be known by March. 22, the U.S. Congress could renew the tension several hours before the funds run out.
Reuters Y AB
