President Joe Biden signed a government funding bill that was passed by Congress, averting a shutdown crisis. The bill funds the government at current levels through March 14 and includes $100 billion in disaster aid and a one-year farm bill. The bill did not include a debt limit extension demanded by President-elect Donald Trump. Biden called the bill a compromise that ensures the government can continue to operate at full capacity. The Senate and the House passed the bill with overwhelming support.
The bill’s signing followed a chaotic few days that began when Trump and Elon Musk publicly opposed the initial bipartisan deal, leading to its collapse. Despite Trump’s call to extend or abolish the debt ceiling, this request did not make it into the final bill. After the initial bipartisan agreement fell apart, the House failed to pass a new funding bill, with Democrats and some Republicans voting it down.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre accused Republicans of doing the bidding of their billionaire benefactors in derailing the initial bipartisan agreement. Republicans overwhelmingly supported the final bill, despite the absence of a debt limit extension. The bill aims to provide disaster relief to communities recovering from storms and prevent a tax cut for billionaires. The signing of the bill ensures the government can continue to operate at full capacity, allowing families to celebrate the upcoming holiday season.
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