U.S. President Joe Biden signed a stopgap funding bill to avert a government shutdown, keeping operations running into early March. The bill, approved by Congress, allows more time to finalize appropriations for fiscal year 2024. It passed the Senate with a vote of 77-18 and the House with a vote of 314-108, facing opposition from some hard-line Republicans seeking spending cuts and border security provisions. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer linked border security to Ukraine funding, facing resistance from conservative Republicans. This marks the third stopgap funding this Congress, with previous ones in September and November. The recent bill extends deadlines to March 1 and March 8, providing more time for comprehensive spending bills. House Speaker Mike Johnson, who succeeded Kevin McCarthy, faced challenges from hard-right Republicans and needed Democratic support for passage. The move highlights ongoing divisions within the Republican Party, with hopes to pass appropriations bills in the coming weeks.
Source – CGTN
Photo Credit – The Hill