President Donald Trump has signed a bill into law that funds the government through September, preventing a partial government shutdown. The bill, which passed in a closely contested Senate vote, largely maintains funding levels set during Joe Biden’s presidency but includes minor changes in spending allocations.
Spending Adjustments in the New Bill
The legislation makes slight modifications to the budget:
- Defense Spending: Increased by $6 billion
- Non-Defense Spending: Reduced by $13 billion
Despite these changes, the overall spending level remains close to $1.7 trillion.
Senate Vote and Democratic Opposition
The Senate approved the bill in a 54-46 vote, with ten Democratic senators supporting it despite opposition from within their party. House Democrats were particularly critical, arguing that the bill cuts essential programs in health care and housing while giving Trump’s administration too much control over federal spending.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer warned that rejecting the bill could have led to a government shutdown, allowing the Trump administration to dismantle agencies and programs unchecked.
A Victory for Trump and House Republicans
The bill’s passage in the House marked a rare win for Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson, who managed to secure approval without relying on Democratic support. This success highlights Trump’s continued influence over the Republican Party and Congress’s budgetary decisions.
With this bill signed into law, the government remains operational, averting disruptions that could have impacted essential services and federal employees. However, political tensions over budget allocations and spending priorities are expected to continue in the coming months.
