Congress Passes Stopgap Spending Bill To Avert Government Shutdown

President Joe Biden signed a stopgap funding measure to prevent the government from shutting down. The Senate passed the bill in a 65-35 vote sending it to the House of Representatives, where it easily passed. The bill will fund the government until December 3.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced the deal on Wednesday after Democrats agreed to remove language that would raise the debt ceiling. Republicans have refused to raise the debt ceiling and told Democrats they would have to pass that measure without any GOP support.

The funding bill does include money to help resettle Afghan refugees in the United States and cash for Hurrican Ida relief.

“I am happy we are getting this done. With so many things happening here in Washington, the last thing the American people need is for the government to grind to a halt,” Schumer said.

The bill now heads to the desk of President Joe Biden for his signature.