House Passes Bill to Fund Government Through Mid-November

Why it matters locally: A federal government shutdown could have halted Social Security payments, delayed paychecks for federal employees working in Arkansas, and impacted the operations of federal agencies across the state, including those providing disaster relief and agricultural support.

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WASHINGTON D.C. — The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill today designed to keep federal government operations funded until November 17. The vote, 224-201, sends the continuing resolution to the Senate. Passage of the bill avoids a government shutdown that would have taken effect at the end of the current fiscal year on September 30. Lawmakers introduced the legislation to provide temporary funding and allow more time for Congress to negotiate a full-year spending package. Several Republican members voted against the measure. These members cited concerns about various provisions within the bill, including its overall spending levels and the inclusion of aid for Ukraine. The legislation includes approximately $6 billion in additional aid for Ukraine and $6 billion for U.S. disaster relief efforts. It does not include new border security funding, which some Republicans had advocated for. Congressional leaders indicated the Senate would consider the bill in the coming days. If the Senate approves the measure, it will then go to President Biden for his signature.