First Amendment:
Four hours before the federal government partly ran out of money to operate, lawmakers in the US Senate agreed to avoid that scenario. Approval of the document allows the financing of several government agencies in the fiscal year that will end on September 30, although there is another group that was left without coverage and will be at risk if its financing is not approved before March 22.
Once again, the specter of default that has tormented the United States has been averted. Republicans and Democrats had to agree in record time to approve the funds necessary for the work of the government.
With 75 votes in favor and 22 against, the bipartisan project will now allow agencies covering agriculture, transportation, housing, energy, resources for veterans and other programs to operate.
The approval came a few days after the House of Representatives, with a Republican majority, also approved the proposal. However, at the time, an urgent call from President Joe Biden to lawmakers was necessary to move the talks forward.
“For people who worry that divided government means doing nothing at all, this bipartisan package says otherwise,” Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said before the vote.
This bipartisan package fully funds WIC for 7 million mothers and children
It's based on the infrastructure code for our roads, bridges and highways
We will be able to hire more air traffic controllers and rail safety inspectors
It helps take care of our veterans
And much more
– Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) March 9, 2024
Approval of part of the budget is missing
While the US Congress rarely meets initial deadlines for passing such laws, the Legislature has so far been forced to pass four temporary funding bills to maintain the agency's operations.
But the temporary projects only served to postpone the country's spending problem and postpone the issue for future discussions, leaving a daunting task to the last minute.
On this occasion, although the approval of this Friday, March 8, covers the entire fiscal year – until September 30 – for part of the agencies, there is a group of institutions that are still without financial protection from the government.
The United States again avoids a federal government shutdown after Congress approves it
This is the case for the armed forces, national security, medical care, health programs, financial services, and foreign operations, for which aid to Israel and Ukraine will be discussed.
With this package, which is more expensive than those already approved, the total cost of spending will be about $1.66 trillion and will cover a national debt exceeding $34.5 trillion, although the future of this bill could be known by March. January 22, when the US Congress can revive hours of tension before the money runs out.
Reuters and Associated Press
