Congress Expected To Pass Temporary Funding Bill To Avoid Shutdown

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., left, confers with House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., as they meet with reporters after a closed-door meeting with fellow Republicans, at the Capitol

Congress is poised to swiftly approve a temporary spending bill to keep federal agencies funded as the new fiscal year approaches. The stopgap measure, expected to pass on Wednesday, will maintain current funding levels through December 20, with additional funds allocated for specific purposes.

Notably, $231 million will be directed towards bolstering the Secret Service following recent assassination attempts against Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. The bill also includes provisions to support the presidential transition process and other essential functions.

House Speaker emphasized the bill's focus on essential spending, aiming to address concerns within his party about expenditure levels. However, some Republicans remain opposed, necessitating Democratic support for the bill's passage.

$231 million allocated to bolster Secret Service following security concerns.

Temporary bill maintains current funding levels until December 20.

Provisions for presidential transition support included in the bill.

Senate Majority Leader has confirmed an agreement for swift approval in the Senate, emphasizing the importance of avoiding delays and political brinkmanship. Lawmakers are eager to pass the temporary funding measure to facilitate their return to campaigning in their respective states.

While the bill postpones final decisions on full-year spending levels until later in the year, it ensures continued government operations at current levels. The upcoming fiscal negotiations are expected to be challenging, given differing priorities between the Senate and House Republicans.

The allocation of $231 million for the Secret Service is contingent on congressional oversight, with provisions for expedited spending if necessary. Recent security lapses during a Trump rally have underscored the agency's immediate needs.

The temporary funding bill is a response to the incomplete appropriations process, with only five of the 12 annual bills passed in the House. The Senate has yet to pass any of the bills, indicating the need for interim measures to avert a government shutdown.

Looking ahead, House leadership has expressed reluctance towards a comprehensive omnibus bill, signaling a preference for additional stopgap measures to allow the incoming administration and Congress to determine spending levels for the fiscal year.