Government Shutdown Averted as Congress Passes Funding Bill
Congress narrowly avoids a shutdown with a last-minute funding bill
Congress passed a short-term funding bill on Saturday, narrowly averting a government shutdown. The bill, which passed the Senate by a vote of 68-29 and the House by a vote of 224-201, provides funding for the government through December 16.
The threat of a shutdown had loomed for weeks as Congress struggled to reach an agreement on a long-term funding bill. The previous funding bill had expired on September 30, and without a new bill, the government would have been forced to shut down non-essential services.
The shutdown would have had a significant impact on the economy, as well as on the lives of millions of Americans. The closure of national parks, museums, and other federal agencies would have cost the economy billions of dollars in lost revenue. In addition, millions of federal employees would have been furloughed, meaning they would have lost pay and benefits.
However, the government shutdown was averted at the last moment when Congress passed the short-term funding bill. The bill provides funding for the government through December 16, giving Congress more time to reach an agreement on a long-term funding bill.
The passage of the short-term funding bill is a relief for many Americans, as it means that the government will remain open and essential services will continue to be provided. However, the long-term funding bill still needs to be passed, and it is unclear whether Congress will be able to reach an agreement on a long-term solution.
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