The US House of Representatives passes bill to avert government shutdown
The US House of Representatives has voted to pass a bill that would keep the government funded through mid-March, just hours before a potential shutdown. The bill, which is backed by both Republicans and Democrats, would keep federal agencies running and avoid a shutdown.
The vote came after a day of intense negotiations and drama, with the fate of the government hanging in the balance. The bill, which is essentially the same as one that failed earlier in the week, avoids a shutdown by providing $110 billion in disaster aid and financial relief for farmers.
Despite the bill’s passage, the clock is still ticking, as the Senate has until midnight to follow suit or federal agencies will begin to shut down. If the Senate does not act, up to 875,000 workers could be furloughed and 1.4 million others would have to work without pay.
The bill’s passage was a significant win for Democrats, who worked with Republicans to craft the legislation. In a statement, senior Democratic Congressman Bennie Thompson praised the vote, saying, “Today, Democrats stood firm in our commitment to collaboration, not division. The American people deserve a government that works for them.”
The drama surrounding the vote was heightened by the involvement of tech billionaire Elon Musk, who has been publicizing his opposition to the bill on social media. Musk’s influence has sparked anger among some Republicans and Democrats, who see his interference as an attempt to sway the outcome of the vote.
The Senate is expected to take up the bill quickly, but it is unclear how long it will take for them to act. Analysts warn that if the bill is not passed, non-essential government functions will grind to a halt, and thousands of workers will be furloughed or forced to work without pay.
