WASHINGTON -- The House has passed a temporary measure that would keep federal agencies funded when the new fiscal year begins next Tuesday while punting final spending decisions for the next budget year until after the Nov.5 election.The stopgap measure, approved Wednesday by a 341-82 vote, generally funds agencies at current levels through Dec.
20.But an additional $231 million was included to bolster the Secret Service after the two assassination attempts against Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.
Money was also added to aid with the presidential transition, among other things.The bill will next move to the Senate for final approval.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said that he had reached agreement ensuring passage will happen quickly.“This is how things should be done,” Schumer said.“Without brinkmanship, without delay.”House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., billed the measure as doing “only what's absolutely necessary," a statement directed at members of his own conference concerned about spending levels.
Still, it's a no-go for some Republicans, which forced House GOP leadership to rely on Democratic votes to pass the bill through a process that requires at least two-thirds support from voting members.Johnson said the only alternative to the continuing resolution at this stage would have been a government shutdown.“It would be political malpractice to shut the government down," Johnson said.
"I think everyone understands that.”The House floor was largely empty during debate on the measure.Lawmakers in both chambers are anxious to return to their home states and districts to campaign, smoothing the path for passage of a temporary funding fix.
But more arduous fiscal negotiations await them at the end of the year.Under terms of a previous deal to avoid a federal default and allow the government to continue paying its bills, spending for defense and nondefense programs would rise 1% next year.The Senate has been charting ...