Congressional leaders have reached an agreement on a short-term spending bill that will fund federal agencies for about three months, ensuring there is no partial government shutdown when the new budget year begins on October 1.
The temporary spending bill includes an additional $231 million to bolster the Secret Service following two assassination attempts against Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and provides funds for the presidential transition along with other necessities.
Driving the news: Initial discussions were complicated by a proposal from House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) linking temporary funding with a requirement for states to mandate proof of citizenship when registering to vote.
- This proposal was later abandoned to reach a compromise.
The big picture: The temporary funding extends into mid-December, allowing the current Congress to work on a full-year spending bill after the upcoming Nov. 5 election instead of leaving it for the next Congress and President to address.
- Johnson described the agreement as narrow and bare-bones in a letter to the GOP caucus, focusing only on essential extensions.
- House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries noted that Democrats would evaluate the bill comprehensively before voting, but emphasized that the agreement ensures a bipartisan path to avoid a government shutdown.
What we’re watching: The agreement is expected to receive bipartisan support for the short-term measure this week, avoiding a shutdown, which no one in Congress desires, especially as election day nears.
- The funding for the Secret Service comes with conditions, requiring the Department of Homeland Security to provide specific information to a House task force and Senate committee investigating the assassination attempts against Trump.
