Top U.S. congressional leaders unveiled a stopgap funding measure to keep federal agencies running through March 14, averting a partial government shutdown set for Saturday. The $6.2 trillion federal budget would remain at current levels, supporting programs like military operations, air traffic control, and federal regulators.
The package includes $100.4 billion in disaster relief for hurricane recovery, wildfires, and other crises. This allocates $29 billion for FEMA, $21 billion for farmers, $12 billion in community block grants, and $8 billion for highway repairs. The Pentagon would receive $5.7 billion for submarine production, including the Virginia- and Columbia-class models. Other provisions include $2 billion for small businesses, $740 million to repair NASA facilities, and $13 million for Supreme Court justices’ security. Additionally, it authorizes year-round sales of E15 gasoline.
While some House Republicans have signaled opposition, requiring Democratic support, the Senate aims to finalize the legislation before the Friday deadline for President Biden’s approval. House Speaker Mike Johnson, leading a narrow Republican majority, has often relied on bipartisan cooperation for key measures.
This temporary measure arises from Congress’s failure to pass its 12 annual appropriations bills for the fiscal year starting Oct. 1. Mandatory programs like Social Security and Medicare, which renew automatically, contribute to the soaring $36 trillion federal debt. Lawmakers face a looming deadline next year when a 2023 debt ceiling deal expires.
Riding along in the bill is a one-year extension of federal farm programs, averting sharp price increases for dairy products after Dec. 31.
Also read: Congress Nears Deal to Avert Government Shutdown Until March 14
