Politics

Biden signs funding package after Senate avoids government shutdown

President Biden signed a $460 billion government-funding package into law Saturday, after the Senate averted a partial shutdown the night before.

The “minibus” bill will allow enough funds to keep a slew of federal agencies operating through September.

The measure is a package of six bills brokered by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), President Joe Biden and top leaders in both parties.

President Biden on Saturday signed the  $460 billion “minibus” bill package he brokered with congressional leaders into law. AP
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) helped broker a deal to avoid a federal government shutdown. REUTERS

It will help fund the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Transportation, Commerce, Justice and Housing and Urban Development, as well as the Food and Drug Administration and military construction.

Following a slew of partisan sparing, the Senate voted 75-22 Friday night in favor of the package to beat a midnight deadline. It passed the House on Wednesday, 339-85.

Congressional leaders will now turn their attention to six remaining appropriations bills.

$460 billion government-funding package was brokered by Speaker of the House Mike Johnson as well as Chuck Schumer, Joe Biden, and other top officials. Getty Images

Funding for the Pentagon, Homeland Security, Health and Human Services and the State Department will run out at 11:59 p.m. March 22 if another spending package isn’t passed.