President Joe Biden signed a short-term spending measure on Friday to prevent a partial government shutdown that was set to begin on Saturday. The measure extends funding for one set of federal agencies through March 8 and another set through March 22, providing lawmakers with additional time to pass full-year spending bills for the current fiscal year ending on Sept. 30.
Congress has resorted to a series of short-term measures due to the delay in enacting full-year funding bills on time. President Biden emphasized that while the bipartisan agreement avoids a shutdown, it is only a temporary solution and not a long-term fix.
The House of Representatives approved the extension with a vote of 320-99, surpassing the two-thirds majority required for passage. Democrats largely supported the measure, while Republicans were more divided, with 113 in favor and 97 against. The Senate later voted 77-13 in favor of the bill.
Looking ahead, both chambers of Congress are expected to address a package of six spending bills next week to be sent to the president before the March 8 deadline. Subsequently, lawmakers will aim to secure funding for the remainder of the government by the new March 22 deadline.
