US Congress Passes Budget Bill to Prevent Shutdown
In a dramatic turn of events, the US Senate passed a budget deal shortly after a midnight deadline, averting what would have been the first government shutdown since 2019. The deal, passed by an overwhelming margin of 85-11, followed approval from the House of Representatives earlier in the day.
The bill now heads to President Joe Biden for his signature, ensuring that millions of federal employees continue working with pay and essential services remain operational.
Key Provisions of the Budget Deal
The 118-page legislation, dubbed the “American Relief Act, 2025,” includes significant allocations:
- $100bn for disaster relief to support recovery efforts from hurricanes and other natural disasters.
- $10bn in aid for farmers.
However, the bill excludes contentious provisions from earlier drafts, such as:
- A debt-limit increase demanded by President-elect Donald Trump.
- Measures sought by Democrats, including pay raises for lawmakers, infrastructure funding for a collapsed Baltimore bridge, and healthcare reforms.
Trump’s Influence and Musk’s Role
The budget showdown highlighted President-elect Trump’s limited influence over lawmakers in his own party. Despite his demands for a debt-limit increase, Congress stripped the provision to secure bipartisan support.
The debate also drew criticism over the involvement of tech billionaire Elon Musk, who lobbied against earlier versions of the bill. Democrats called out Musk’s participation, noting his unelected status. Musk praised House Speaker Mike Johnson’s handling of the negotiations, calling the revised bill a “leaner” version of its predecessor.
Implications of the Budget Fight
The passage of the budget deal prevents a shutdown that could have disrupted public services, closed parks, and left millions of federal employees unpaid. The last government shutdown in 2019 lasted 35 days, the longest in US history.
Looking ahead, the tense negotiations serve as a preview of potential legislative battles in 2025, as Trump takes office and Republicans gain control of both chambers of Congress. Speaker Johnson, despite internal criticism, expressed optimism about the future:
“We are set up for a big and important new start in January.”
External Link: Learn more about the budget negotiations at BBC News.
Internal Link: Explore political insights and governance trends at Kenkou Land.
