President Donald Trump has officially signed a bill that funds the federal government through September, successfully averting a partial government shutdown after a contentious battle in Congress. The legislation, signed Saturday, extends funding for six months, maintaining nearly $1.7 trillion in spending with some key modifications.
Spending Adjustments and Controversies:
The bill largely preserves funding levels set under former President Joe Biden but introduces a $13 billion cut to non-defense programs while boosting defense spending by $6 billion. Though these changes are marginal in the context of overall spending, they became a major point of contention in the Senate, sharply dividing Democrats and fueling debates over budget priorities.
The Senate approved the measure Friday in a 54-46 vote, with 10 Democratic senators siding with Republicans to push the bill through, despite fierce opposition from members of their own party. Many House Democrats argued that the legislation undermines key social programs, including healthcare and housing, while granting Trump broad authority to redirect federal funds as he sees fit.
Democrats Weigh Shutdown vs. Passage:
For days, Senate Democrats debated whether to force a government shutdown as a strategy to protest the bill. Critics within the party accused Republicans in the House of drafting and passing the measure without Democratic input, leaving little room for negotiation.
However, Democratic leaders ultimately decided that a shutdown would be more damaging, fearing it would allow the Trump administration to eliminate entire agencies and programs by deeming them “nonessential.”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) warned that shutting down the government would give Trump and his administration—alongside the controversial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—a free hand to accelerate agency dismantling and furlough government workers without a guarantee of reinstatement.
“A shutdown will allow DOGE to shift into overdrive,” Schumer stated. “Donald Trump and Elon Musk would be free to destroy vital government services at a much faster rate.”
A Win for Trump and House Republicans:
The bill’s passage in the House earlier in the week marked a significant victory for both Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.). Unlike previous budget battles that required bipartisan support, House Republicans held their ranks together, passing the measure without Democratic backing—a rare feat that underscores the GOP’s growing legislative control. While the bill averts an immediate crisis, tensions in Congress remain high, and the fight over federal spending priorities is far from over. As Trump continues to reshape government policy, both parties are bracing for the next round of political battles over budget allocations and agency oversight.
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