0
0
Sweeping $1.2 Trillion Spending Bill Passed by Senate
The Senate successfully passed a comprehensive $1.2 trillion spending bill in the early hours of Saturday morning, effectively averting any threats of a government shutdown until the approaching fall season. The bill, encompassing funding allocations for numerous government agencies aligning with the Democratic Party’s priorities, now awaits President Joe Biden’s signature to become law.
Key Aspects of the Bill
The bill includes provisions for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives, abortion rights, and the promotion of transgender ideology, but notably lacks measures to secure the nation’s borders.
The decisive vote in the Senate tally stood at 74-24, promptly following the expiration of funding for government agencies at midnight. Despite the lapsing of funds, the White House promptly reassured the public with a statement confirming that preparations for a shutdown by the Office of Management and Budget had ceased.
“Because federal funds are obligated and monitored daily, agencies will maintain their usual operations without any interruptions,” the official White House statement declared.
Bipartisan Agreement Acknowledged
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed relief at reaching a bipartisan agreement, emphasizing the significance of finalizing government funding. “Completing the task of funding the government is a positive development for the country. Though it was challenging, our commitment has proven worthwhile,” remarked Schumer.
Senators’ Votes on the Bill
- Republican Senators who voted in favor of the spending bill:
- Boozman (R-AR)
- Britt (R-AL)
(and others…)
- Republican Senators who voted against the bill:
- Barrasso (R-WY)
- Blackburn (R-TN)
(and others…)
House of Representatives Involvement
Prior to the Senate’s decision, the House of Representatives voted to prevent a government shutdown, with a vote count of 286 to 134. Notably, 185 Democrats and 101 Republicans contributed affirmatively to the vote.
Unveiling of the ‘Minibus’ Bill
The contentious ‘minibus’ bill, exceeding 1,000 pages, was made public in the early hours of a Thursday morning, catching many citizens by surprise as they slept. This unveiling followed the House’s prior approval of a $460 billion package aimed at funding crucial federal agencies until the end of the budget year.
Republican Representative Chip Roy of Texas criticized the bill for its excessive spending and lack of oversight, denouncing it as a rushed and inadequate solution that neglects crucial issues such as border security and the potential consequences of unrestrained spending.
Image/Photo credit: source url
