House Passes $1.2 Trillion Spending Package to Avert Government Shutdown

The House of Representatives approved a $1.2 trillion spending package on Friday, sending it to the Senate just hours before a midnight deadline to prevent a partial government shutdown. The legislation, which would fund approximately three-quarters of the government for the next six months, garnered support from President Biden and leaders of both major parties in Congress.

To overcome potential roadblocks from hard-line conservatives, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) utilized a procedural maneuver by suspending the House rules, requiring a two-thirds vote for passage. This strategy necessitated significant backing from Democrats to push the bill through.

During the House vote, a majority of Republicans present opposed the measure, with 112 GOP members voting against it, while 101 Republicans supported the spending package. On the other hand, Democrats demonstrated more unity, as 185 representatives voted in favor of the bill and 22 voted against it.

The Senate now faces a time-sensitive task of swiftly orchestrating a vote on the bill Friday night to avoid a government shutdown. While the impact of a shutdown may be limited if resolved before Monday, the pressure is on lawmakers to reach a conclusion promptly.