The House of Representatives narrowly passed a $1.2 trillion federal spending package along bipartisan lines on Friday, moving closer to avoiding a partial government shutdown at midnight.
The package consists of six appropriations bills that cover approximately 70% of discretionary government spending. It was revealed around 3 a.m. on Thursday night and is intended to fund the government through the end of fiscal year 2024, which concludes on Sept. 30.
This development brings Congress a step nearer to resolving a prolonged conflict that has led to significant dysfunction within the House GOP's slim majority.
The bill focuses on funding various departments, including Defense, Homeland Security, Education, Health & Human Services (HHS), and the legislative branch.
Both Republican and Democratic negotiators expressed satisfaction with the deal. Republicans highlighted cuts to funding for non-governmental organizations (NGOs), a 6% reduction in overall foreign aid funds, and policies such as prohibiting the State Department from displaying non-official flags at diplomatic facilities.
Democrats celebrated the absence of enforcement provisions from the House GOP's H.R.2 border security bill, which conservatives had insisted on for funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Additionally, they welcomed increased federal child care funding and a $1 billion boost for climate and green energy programs.
