To Avert Government Shutdown, US House Prioritizes Review of Funding Bill | WPN World People News

The US House of Representatives ultimately passed a temporary spending bill by a 370-to-48 vote, extending federal government operations until December 11. US Republicans and Democrats temporarily put aside their budget differences, joining forces to eliminate the risk of a federal government shutdown in October. The legislation has been sent to President Donald Trump for his signature.

Since Trump's second term began, fierce confrontations between the Republican-controlled Congress and the Democratic minority have resulted in three partial government shutdowns, totaling a historic record of 161 days. Neither party intends to plunge into another shutdown before the mid-November elections to avoid angering voters who are already dissatisfied with high prices, the war with Iran, and tariff issues.

However, the stopgap measure does not resolve America's major fiscal issues. The national debt surpassed $40 trillion last month, and the bill merely postpones spending decisions by 15 weeks. In December, Congress will still face the daunting task of drafting and passing 12 full-year spending bills. Which party gains control of Congress after the November 3 midterm elections will directly influence the direction of these negotiations.