A potential government shutdown was averted as a scaled-down temporary funding bill was sent to President Joe Biden for signing. The 1,500-page funding package, laden with Democrat-backed spending, was condensed to 118 pages by the U.S. House, ensuring the government stays open until March 14.
Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski expressed relief that a shutdown was avoided and highlighted provisions in the bill benefiting Alaskans, such as disaster relief and funds for fisheries. The process of negotiating last-minute funding bills was criticized, with calls for a return to regular order in crafting budgets to better serve Americans.
House Speaker Mike Johnson introduced a lengthy funding bill that was swiftly rejected by conservative members and the public, led by figures like Elon Musk, resulting in a “skinny CR” that passed both the House and Senate. This bill prioritized relief for hurricane victims and farmers, positioning President Trump to act swiftly upon taking office.
The public and political pressure from both sides of the aisle played a significant role in reshaping the funding bill to align with the priorities of the American people. The passage of the pared-down bill marked a rare instance where citizens had a direct impact on shaping legislation in real-time.
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Photo credit mustreadalaska.com
