US Congress approves spending extension, avoiding shutdown
US Senate Passes Spending Bill to Prevent Government Shutdown
The US Senate passed a crucial spending bill early Saturday, ensuring government funding continues through mid-March. The vote, 85-to-11, came just after the midnight deadline, preventing a potential shutdown that could have disrupted services before the holidays.
Key Provisions of the Bill
The bill, already approved by the House, allocates USD 100 billion for disaster relief to communities recovering from storms. It also extends farm programs for a year and provides USD 10 billion in direct aid for farmers. Major budget decisions are postponed until 2025, when the new Republican-controlled Congress takes office.
Statements from Leaders
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer described the bill as a compromise that avoided a crisis while including key provisions for American families. He highlighted emergency aid for disaster-hit communities and the prevention of severe cuts to government programs as significant achievements.
House Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed that President-elect Donald Trump and Elon Musk were informed about the negotiations. Johnson stated, "This is a good outcome for the country."
Political Reactions
Despite the bill's passage, it did not address the federal debt ceiling, a contentious issue among Republicans. They plan to tackle it in early 2025 with a separate legislative package. The bill's passage underscored ongoing divisions within the Republican Party and between Congress chambers.
Democrats, despite some dissatisfaction, supported the bill to avoid a shutdown. Representative Hakeem Jeffries stated, "House Democrats have successfully stopped extreme MAGA Republicans from shutting down the government."
Doubts Revealed
US Senate
The US Senate is one of the two parts of the United States Congress, which makes laws for the country. It is similar to the Rajya Sabha in India.
Spending Bill
A spending bill is a plan for how the government will spend its money. It is like a budget that helps keep the government running and paying for things it needs.
Government Shutdown
A government shutdown happens when the government runs out of money to operate. This means many government services stop working until more money is approved.
Disaster Relief
Disaster relief is money and help given to people and places affected by natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, or hurricanes. It helps them recover and rebuild.
President Biden
President Biden is the current President of the United States. He is like the Prime Minister in India, leading the country and making important decisions.
Senate Majority Leader
The Senate Majority Leader is the leader of the political party with the most members in the US Senate. They help decide what laws the Senate will discuss and vote on.
Federal Debt Ceiling
The federal debt ceiling is the maximum amount of money the US government is allowed to borrow. It's like a limit on a credit card, and if it's reached, the government can't borrow more money until the limit is raised.
Democrats
Democrats are one of the two main political parties in the United States. They are similar to political parties in India, like the Congress party.
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