Maroc - RAWSTORY.COM - Raw Story - 21/12/2024 05:42

Senate passes 11th-hour stopgap spending bill to avert holiday shutdown

The Democratic-led Senate passed an 11th-hour stopgap funding bill to avert a holiday shutdown of the federal government.The Senate voted 85-11 to approve the three-month deal, according to CNN.House Republicans passed the high-stakes spending bill earlier Friday with a 366-34 vote. The bill temporarily funds federal operations through March and calls for $100 billion in disaster aid, $10 billion in agricultural assistance to farmers, and a one-year farm bill extension.However, the bill became better known for what it did not include: President-elect Donald Trump's demand for a debt limit increase.ALSO READ: We're watching the largest and most dangerous 'cult' in American historyThe GOP's first attempt at a spending bill collapsed Wednesday, with tech billionaire Elon Musk and Trump coming out against it. Republicans quickly assembled a new plan to fund the government, but that effort ultimately failed Thursday as Republicans tried to remove the debt ceiling.The debt ceiling has become a political cudgel in recent years, with lawmakers frequently using as leverage in budget negotiations.House lawmakers and pundits from both parties have largely celebrated the victories in Friday's bill."We are excited about this outcome," House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) said, calling it "America First legislation" and particularly celebrating how it will provide relief to hurricane disaster victims and struggling farmers.Democrats, too, were largely happy, with Rep. Don Beyer's (D-VA) deputy chief of staff Aaron Fritschner saying, "The 118th Congress will end with House Democrats hanging together, defeating Trump and Musk, and saving the government from shutting down — again — by legislating from the minority."