Federal funding extended; disaster aid approved

House Speaker Mike Johnson’s latest proposal has gained significant traction, receiving strong backing from Democrats.

The bill was passed by a vote of 366 to 34, exceeding the required two-thirds majority.

It extends federal funding until March 14 and allocates over $100 billion for disaster relief, along with $10 billion aimed at supporting farmers.

Additionally, the proposal includes a one-year extension of the farm bill, essential for U.S. food and agriculture policy.

U.S. House PASSES government funding bill, 366-34.

Goes now to the U.S. Senate. pic.twitter.com/ZPCtxBbfml

— CSPAN (@cspan) December 20, 2024

New deadline

Lawmakers face a deadline to pass a spending bill by midnight Friday to prevent a government shutdown.

GOP members plan to address the debt ceiling and spending cuts next year, but have opted not to act on it before then.

President-elect Donald Trump has called for an immediate vote to increase the borrowing cap, but his request was not included in this proposal.

Johnson expressed confidence, stating, “We will not have a government shutdown.”

The bill must still be approved by the Senate and signed by President Biden, with the timeline for Senate action currently uncertain.

House Republicans shifted their strategy after a previous bipartisan plan was undermined by Trump and Elon Musk, leading to the rejection of a reduced proposal the following night.