Senate passes multi-billion-dollar funding package to avoid government shutdown
FOX NewsFEB 2024
Senate Reaches Deal to Vote On $1.2T Spending Package
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The Spin
Democratic narrative
While House GOP members made a huge deal about needing 72 hours to read the legislation — a last-ditched attempt at even further disruption — not even hardline Republicans can now stop the US Federal Government from receiving funding for the budgetary year. While Johnson has had to consistently tussle with the far-right of his party, Democrats have consistently remained steadfast in securing the key spending provisions America needs.
Republican narrative
While certainly not appeasing all Republicans and largely the product of private negotiations with Democrat congressional leaders, Republicans can find a series of wins within the second appropriations bill. Although greater collaboration within the party would have been preferable, the legislation sees a reduction in funding for NGOs seeking to encourage immigrants and an increase in border agents — allowing the US to take a much-needed step toward securing its border again.
Cynical narrative
America has long faced the yearly threat of government shutdowns in theatrical bipartisan brinkmanship only favoring those seeking to selfishly influence policy via last-minute budget-busting omnibus bills. Unfortunately, lawmakers will vote yes on anything to avoid a shutdown, which is why the fiscally irresponsible always win. Legislation must be changed to automatically maintain current spending levels during deadlocks until the enactment of new appropriations bills.