In the wee hours of Thursday, top congressional negotiators unveiled a $1.2 trillion spending bill to fund the government until September. It was uncertain if Congress could act quickly enough to avoid a brief partial government shutdown over the weekend.
Lawmakers are rushing to pass the bill before the Friday midnight deadline to prevent funding lapses for key government departments. Negotiations over funding and policy disagreements had already delayed the process by six months.
Although a final agreement had been reached on bundling together six spending bills, passing it by Saturday morning might be delayed due to congressional rules. House Republicans intended to bypass the 72-hour review rule to hold a vote on Friday.
There could be obstacles in the Senate, where objections from a single lawmaker could extend debates and delay the final vote.
Both Democrats and Republicans touted victories in the meticulously negotiated spending bill. Republicans highlighted funding for Border Patrol agents, ICE detention beds, and cutting aid to a UN agency aiding Palestinians. Democrats secured funding for various federal programs including child care, education, and research.
The legislation includes increased funding for detention beds and technology at the southern border. It aligns with a debt and spending deal negotiated last year by Kevin McCarthy and President Biden.
Part of the deal involved cuts to the State Department’s budget and foreign aid programs. A provision prohibiting funding to UNRWA until March 2025 was inserted by Republicans.
Republicans also included measures to halt funding to UNRWA, potentially causing a shortfall for the agency. Democrats secured increased funding for child care, education, and health research programs.
The bill includes a significant increase in funding for child care, Head Start, and cancer research. Representative Kay Granger praised the strategic increases in defense spending and cuts to nondefense programs.
Democrats championed the funding increases for child care, education, and health research, emphasizing the importance of a strong workforce and secure future for children.
