The U.S. Senate has passed a budget bill with an 85-11 vote, preventing a federal government shutdown that could have occurred for the first time since 2019. The bill, which has already been approved by the House, now awaits President Biden's signature.
Key elements of the bill include:
The exclusion of Trump’s demand to raise the federal borrowing limit, reflecting a division within the Republican Party.
$100 billion allocated for disaster relief and $10 billion for farmers.
Removal of controversial provisions, such as pay raises for lawmakers, healthcare reforms, and infrastructure funding.
The agreement avoids potential disruptions to public services and unpaid leave for millions of federal workers.
The bill’s passage came after intense negotiations, involving figures like Trump and Elon Musk, who criticized earlier versions. Speaker Mike Johnson played a key role in the negotiations, despite facing internal opposition. As the Biden administration prepares to end and Trump’s presidency nears, this deal serves as a temporary resolution, setting the stage for more contentious policy battles with the upcoming Republican control of Congress.