The Senate approved a temporary government spending plan early Saturday morning, averting a shutdown of the federal government. President Joe Biden signed the legislation, putting to rest a chaotic week on Capitol Hill.
The bill funds the government through March 14, setting up another spending showdown in the early days of the new administration. The legislation provides about $100 billion in disaster aid funding, $10 billion in economic aid for farmers, and includes a one-year extension of the farm bill. The bill also fully funds the replacement of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Maryland and allows the US Treasury Department to recoup money from any settlements related to the bridge’s collapse.
Not included in the bill were several key priorities, including a debt ceiling extension. The debt ceiling is currently set to return on January 2, and Republicans are looking at including an increase in a future package next year. The GOP package that failed earlier in the week would have suspended the debt ceiling until January 30, 2027.