Top congressional leaders announced Wednesday they have reached a tentative bipartisan agreement to temporarily extend funding and avert a partial government shutdown.
The deal, which requires approval from the House and Senate, would continue funding critical government operations until March 8. The remainder of the fiscal year budget would be extended until March 22, according to a joint statement from lawmakers. This provides additional time for legislators to negotiate full-year spending bills and resolves disputes over divisive issues like border security that threatened to trigger a shutdown.
“We are pleased to report agreement on a Continuing Resolution that will fund the government through March 22, 2024,” said the statement from Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, and Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
The temporary spending package comes after contentious negotiations between McCarthy and Senate Democrats over keeping the government open past the Friday midnight funding expiration deadline. While both parties wanted to avoid the disruption of a shutdown, they disagreed on overall spending levels and policies related to border security and aid to Ukraine.
The bipartisan dealmaking represents an early victory for McCarthy, who overcame resistance from conservatives in his ranks to reach an agreement acceptable to Senate Democrats. “I’m proud of the hard work our team put in to reach this agreement,” said McCarthy.
The continuing resolution extends current government funding until March but also provides emergency funding during that period, including aid to support Ukraine. It maintains existing border policy and does not include additional wall funding demanded by House conservatives.
While the short-term bills prevent an imminent shutdown, Congress will still have to pass full-year appropriations before the new deadlines to avoid another fiscal cliff. Lawmakers will continue negotiating over contentious budget issues.
“This agreement allows us to continue focusing our efforts on the issues that matter most to Americans – lower costs, more jobs, safer communities, and protecting personal freedoms,” said McConnell.
The House aims to pass the stopgap funding bill on Thursday followed by the Senate before the midnight Friday deadline. Congressional approval will provide fiscal stability through March and avoid disruptive shutdown furloughs approaching tax season.
With divided government likely for the next two years, the deal demonstrates bipartisan compromise is possible on must-pass bills when members negotiate in good faith. While major breakthroughs are improbable, keeping government functioning should remain a baseline priority.
