Lawmakers in the U.S. Senate finally passed a temporary spending bill, which is known as a continuing resolution or CR, close to midnight on Nov. 15, likely averting a government shutdown — for now.
“Because of bipartisan cooperation, we are keeping the government open without any poison pills or harmful cuts to vital programs — a great outcome for the American people,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D – NY).
Surprisingly on Tuesday, Nov. 14 House lawmakers quickly passed the bill with bipartisan support that included 127 Republicans and 209 Democrats. Last night the Democratic Senate voted 87 to 11 to pass the bill to the White House.
If signed, the bill will help fund the parts of the government: one part covers departments such as agriculture, veterans affairs, and housing and urban development until Jan. 19; the other relates to the Defense Department and others until Feb. 2.
Even if President Biden signs the bill today, lawmakers will need to reconvene after the start of the new year to work on a long-term spending agreement for the government.
