Leaders in Congress unveiled a $1.2 trillion government funding package early Thursday in order to prevent a partial government shutdown. The package, which spans over 1,000 pages and includes six bills funding various departments and operations, has been praised by House Speaker Mike Johnson for its conservative policy wins.
One notable aspect of the package is a ban on direct U.S. funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees. Additionally, the proposed package includes increased funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol agents.
Negotiators struggled to reach a consensus earlier in the week but finally agreed on the measure, which Sen. Patty Murray hailed as a bipartisan compromise. The White House has urged lawmakers to pass the package swiftly to avoid extreme spending cuts and harmful riders proposed by House Republicans.
With a partial government shutdown looming at 12 a.m. Saturday, House lawmakers have a tight timeline to approve the legislation. While some House conservatives have pushed back against the package, Democrats are expected to join most House Republicans in passing it.
In the Senate, unanimity will be required to swiftly pass the legislation without a delay. Lawmakers may need to pass a short-term measure if any sticking points arise to avoid a government funding lapse. Congress is nearing a resolution on the prolonged government funding dilemma, with lawmakers set to leave for a two-week recess. The article highlights the ongoing debate and negotiations surrounding the approval of the government funding package to prevent a shutdown.
