Congress Reaches Short-Term Deal to Prevent Government Shutdown Until After Election
Congress agrees on a short-term spending deal to prevent a government shutdown, extending federal funding until after the November election. This temporary funding ensures agencies remain operational and avoids disruption.
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WASHINGTON — Congressional leaders have reached an agreement on a short-term spending bill to keep the government running for about three months. This deal helps avoid a possible government shutdown that was set to begin on Oct. 1, and pushes major decisions until after the upcoming November election.
Lawmakers had a tough time getting to this point as the current budget year is ending. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., had initially tied temporary funding to a new rule that would require proof of citizenship when registering to vote. However, Johnson couldn't get full support from Republicans, even though former President Donald Trump insisted on the package. The bill was eventually defeated, with 14 Republicans voting against it.
After this failure, bipartisan negotiations began, and leaders agreed to extend funding until mid-December. This extension gives the current Congress more time to decide on a full-year spending plan after the November election.
In a letter to fellow Republicans, Johnson described the new budget measure as "bare-bones," meaning it includes only the most necessary funding. He acknowledged that while it’s not ideal, it’s the best solution for now, especially with the election so close.
Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, mentioned that the talks were going smoothly and most lawmakers wanted to avoid a government shutdown, especially with the election approaching.
The earlier version of the bill had no chance of passing in the Democratic-controlled Senate and was also opposed by the White House. However, it allowed Speaker Johnson to show Trump and other conservatives that he tried to fight for their request.
In the end, the result was what many expected—temporary funding that keeps the government running until after the election. Most lawmakers, from both parties, were not interested in risking a government shutdown.
This short-term bill will keep federal agencies funded at their current levels, with additional money going toward the Secret Service, disaster relief, and aiding in the presidential transition, among other needs.
