The House voted Friday to avoid a prolonged government shutdown and approve tens of billions of dollars in disaster relief, with a bipartisan coalition embracing an agreement a few hours before a midnight deadline to extend funding.
The legislation passed by a vote of 366 in favor to 34 against and one member voting present, with more Democrats voting to support it than Republicans. The bill now goes to the Senate, where it is expected to sail through before heading to President Biden’s desk for his signature. This late in the day, and because of the process for sending over a bill, it won’t be until sometime this weekend that the president is able to sign it. But the effect on government functions should be minimal.
The vote capped a chaotic week in Washington that saw President-elect Donald Trump torpedo a deal that House Speaker Mike Johnson reached with Democrats, a potential glimpse at the difficulties Republicans will face when they assume control of Congress and the White House next month.
The measure extends current government funding through March 14 and provides $100 billion in disaster relief funds to help with hurricane recovery and other natural disasters. It also allocates $10 billion in aid to farmers.