Congress Passes Last-Minute Funding Bill to Avert Government Shutdown

In a decisive move just hours before a potential government shutdown, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a temporary funding bill on Friday, December 20, 2024. 

The measure, which secures federal operations through March 14, 2025, includes $110 billion in disaster relief and support for farmers but omits a provision to suspend the federal debt ceiling, an issue previously raised by President-elect Donald Trump.

The bill passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support in a 366-34 vote and was swiftly approved by the Senate early Saturday morning, with a vote of 85-11.

This action averted a shutdown that could have left hundreds of thousands of federal workers without pay during the holiday season.

Earlier in the week, efforts to pass a broader spending package faltered after President-elect Trump and his ally Elon Musk criticized the initial proposal for excessive spending and the lack of a debt ceiling suspension. 

These objections sparked internal GOP opposition, forcing lawmakers to draft a streamlined version that ultimately gained support from both parties.

House Speaker Mike Johnson described the funding bill as a temporary but necessary solution, allowing time for further budget negotiations in the new year. 

He acknowledged the influence of Trump and Musk in shaping the final version, noting their input helped achieve bipartisan consensus.

The bill now awaits President Joe Biden’s signature to officially become law, ensuring government operations continue uninterrupted into 2025. 

This last-minute agreement underscores the growing influence of outside voices in legislative debates, reflecting broader shifts in how political decisions are shaped and executed.