US Senate approved $1.2 trillion budget to avoid shutdown
Photo: US Senate approves $1.2 trillion budget (Getty Images)
The US Senate has approved a bill to fund the government with $1.2 trillion. Now the document must be signed by President Joe Biden, reports The Associated Press.
The bill was supported by 74 senators, with 24 voting against it. The document has been sent for consideration to President Biden. It is expected that he will sign it in the near future.
The Senate approved the budget just hours after the government effectively ran out of money to operate. The signed bill by Biden will help the US avoid a shutdown.
Under the approved budget, defense spending will increase by 3%, while overall domestic spending will remain at the same level. The spending package covers three-quarters of funding for federal agencies for the next six months, until September 30, 2024.
The US House of Representatives supported the budget bill yesterday. There were concerns that the Senate might not have time to consider the document.
What led to this
A shutdown is a situation where part of the American government ceases to operate due to the lack of a new budget.
Since September 2023, the US Congress has been unable to agree on the budget for 2024. Republicans are demanding spending cuts and enhanced border security. Discussions are also underway regarding support for Ukraine.
On February 13, the US Senate approved a bill providing aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan for $95 billion. In particular, over $60 billion is allocated for Ukraine.
House Speaker Mike Johnson opposed such an initiative.
