Biden signs temporary public spending law that avoids government shutdown before elections

President Joe Biden on Thursday signed a temporary spending bill into law that ensures the funding needed to keep government agencies operating through December, after Congress postponed key decisions related to government spending until after the November election.

In general, the bill maintains current funding levels for government agencies through Dec. 20, raising the possibility that they may be forced to suspend operations ahead of the holiday season.

Lawmakers agreed to add $231 million to reinforce the Secret Service after the two attacks against the Republican presidential candidate, former President Donald Trump. Funds were also approved to cover the expenses of the change of government.

The initiative easily passed Congress on Wednesday, with votes divided along party lines. In the House of Representatives, the initiative received 341 votes in favor and 82 against and in the Senate it obtained 78 votes in favor and 18 against. All the votes against were from the Republicans.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, said the measure provided “only what is absolutely necessary,” a statement aimed at members of his own party who expressed concerns about public spending levels.

Johnson said that the only alternative to approving the initiative would have been to let government agencies suspend their work due to lack of funds.

The temporary measure was necessary because Congress has not approved a dozen bills that allocate budgets for many government agencies.

The House of Representatives has approved five of the 12 initiatives, most along party lines. The Senate has not approved any.

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