Congress Passes First Spending Bills Amid Deadline Pressure

The U.S. Congress narrowly averted a shutdown by passing a $460 billion package of spending bills just hours before the deadline, ensuring the funding of key federal agencies. This bipartisan effort, praised by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, marks progress in resolving the appropriations work for the 2024 budget year. The Senate’s approval, by a vote of 75-22, reflects a concerted effort to avoid disruptions in government operations. Despite challenges in negotiations, lawmakers are now focused on finalizing a second package, including defense funding, before the March 22 deadline.

With total discretionary spending expected at $1.66 trillion, Republicans succeeded in keeping non-defense spending relatively flat compared to the previous year, though Democrats secured victories in protecting vital funding and defeating certain policy riders. Despite criticisms and disagreements, the passage of these bills signals a compromise-driven process in Washington, albeit amid continued partisan divisions.