US President Joe Biden has signed a USD 1.2 trillion legislation into law, effectively avoiding a potential shutdown and ensuring the funding of federal agencies through the fiscal year, ending on September 30, as reported by CNN.
The bill had successfully passed through the US House of Representatives on Friday before being approved by the Senate on Saturday. It encompasses various critical government operations, spanning across departments such as Defense, Homeland Security, Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, State, and the legislative branch.
Receiving the bill in Wilmington, Delaware, President Biden stated that while the package represents a compromise, it brings positive developments for the American people. He emphasized that the agreement, although not meeting all desires from either side, rejects extreme cuts advocated by House Republicans. Moreover, it allocates funds towards essential areas like child care, cancer research, and mental health.
Highlighting a significant inclusion, President Biden noted the allocation of resources for border security, an aspect his administration actively pushed for during negotiations. He emphasized that despite this progress, the job of the US Congress is far from over, urging them to advance additional legislation.
Specifically, President Biden called upon the House to pass the bipartisan national security supplemental, aimed at advancing national security interests. He also urged both chambers to approve the bipartisan border security bill, which his administration had negotiated, citing it as a crucial step towards implementing substantial and equitable reforms in decades.
The signing of this legislation marks a pivotal moment on Capitol Hill, marking the conclusion of an extended annual appropriations process. This process, which extended beyond the typical timeframe, was characterized by partisan disagreements and a significant leadership change in the House. Last year, conservatives orchestrated the unprecedented ousting of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, adding to the complexities of the legislative process.
This legislation represents the latter part of a two-phase government funding process. An earlier six-bill funding package, already signed into law earlier this month, covered crucial departments such as Agriculture, Commerce, Justice, Veterans Affairs, Energy, Interior, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, as well as the Food and Drug Administration, military construction, and other federal programs.
