Wed Sep 25 04:21:05 UTC 2024: ## Congress Averts Shutdown, Kicking Fiscal Can Down the Road

**WASHINGTON (AP)** – Congress has passed a short-term funding measure to avoid a government shutdown, pushing difficult spending decisions until after the November election. The bill, approved by both chambers on Wednesday, keeps agencies operating at current levels until December 20th.

While hailed as a bipartisan victory by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, the bill faced opposition from some Republicans who felt it was too generous. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson emphasized that the measure only includes “absolutely necessary” funding, arguing that a shutdown would be politically disastrous.

The bill includes an additional $231 million for the Secret Service following two assassination attempts against Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. It also provides funds for the presidential transition and other critical needs.

The short-term measure is a temporary solution to a larger fiscal impasse. While the Senate seeks to increase spending above the agreed-upon 1% rise for defense and nondefense programs, House Republicans are pushing for significant cuts and policy mandates that are opposed by Democrats.

Both sides agree that a final agreement on the full budget will be difficult to reach. The temporary bill will mostly maintain current spending levels, with the exception of increased Secret Service funding.

The move allows lawmakers to return to their districts for campaigning ahead of the election, but the hard work of negotiating a long-term budget deal awaits them in the coming months. President Biden is expected to sign the bill into law shortly.

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