United States: The Republican-dominated US Congress planned this week to fund government operations while preventing potential shutdowns during the weekend because President Trump made swift cuts to federal agencies.
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Hardline members of the fractious 218-214 House Republican bloc who fought against Speaker Mike Johnson throughout the past year have now decided to back the funding bill that preserves government operations at present levels until September 30, the current fiscal year expiration date.
The government funding bill faces a procedural vote set for Monday, during which Johnson seeks a Tuesday passage date because supporters emphasize the necessary House approval to advance Trump’s tax cut agenda and border enforcement together with military spending.
The bill received backing from Trump in its proposal. Several Senate Democrats who empower themselves against legislation through their 60-vote filibuster rule express support for this bill since shutdowns have wrought enough chaotic effects for their liking.
They want to prevent governmental instability during a time when Elon Musk has fired more than 100,000 federal employees.
What more does the bill regulate?
The bill regulates discretionary funding while setting guidelines for law enforcement and air traffic operations, and it makes up 25% of the total USD 6.75 trillion federal budget. It also supports Social Security benefits and funds USD 1 trillion in annual debt interest payments.
The expanded defense budget would cost taxpayers an additional USD 6 billion dollars and simultaneously redirect USD 13 billion from other non-defense programs based on House Republican estimates.
Economic cataclysm threatens the world economy because members of Congress must deal with the debt ceiling challenge that they created during this year.