Senate Overwhelmingly Passes $1.2 Trillion Spending Plan, Averting Shutdown

The Senate overwhelmingly voted for a $1.2 trillion spending plan to fund the government early Saturday, avoiding a shutdown and sending the measure to President Joe Biden for his signature. The 74-to-24 vote concluded about 2 a.m., marking the end of a drawn-out fight that saw a government funding debate stretch almost six months into the fiscal year.

Key Points:

1. House and Senate Approval: The House of Representatives voted 286-134 to advance the 1,012-page spending bill, covering approximately 70% of discretionary government spending. Despite facing strong GOP opposition, the bill barely cleared the two-thirds majority threshold in both chambers.
2. Final Steps and Presidential Approval: The bill aims to fully fund the government through the end of September. With Senate approval, the legislation is now sent to President Biden for his signature, which he has already promised to provide as soon as possible. Shutdown preparations ceased shortly after midnight following the White House’s announcement.
3. Internal Party Dynamics: Despite the bill’s passage, internal divisions within the GOP were evident, with more than 112 Republicans voting against it in the House. Additionally, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene filed a motion to remove House Speaker Mike Johnson from his position, reflecting tensions within the party.
4. Focus on Homeland Security and Border Policies: Delays over funding for the Department of Homeland Security, particularly regarding border policies, led to tight deadlines. While calls from some Republicans to use the budget process to dismantle Biden’s border policies were made, the final bill includes more moderate changes at the border, such as additional resources for the US Border Patrol.
5. Provisions and Opposition: The spending bill includes provisions such as cutting off US government assistance to UNRWA, funding for federal child care, and increases in funding for cancer and Alzheimer’s research. Opposition to the bill came from various conservative voices in both the House and the Senate.
6. Credit Rating Concerns: The prolonged government funding debate and dysfunction have raised concerns about the US credit rating. Past downgrades by rating agencies like S&P, Fitch, and Moody’s underscore the potential economic ramifications of government dysfunction.

Conclusion: The passage of the $1.2 trillion spending plan by the Senate averts a government shutdown and provides funding through September. Despite internal party divisions and concerns about the US credit rating, the bill’s approval signifies a crucial step in maintaining government operations and addressing key policy priorities.