Bipartisan agreement ensures continued funding and passage of Social Security reform.
In a dramatic conclusion to weeks of tense negotiations, the U.S. Senate passed a government funding bill early Saturday (December 21), narrowly avoiding a shutdown ahead of the holiday season. The Democratic-controlled Senate voted 85-11 in favor of the measure, just 38 minutes after the midnight deadline.
The legislation, which now awaits President Joe Biden's signature, ensures the government remains funded into the new year. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer praised the bipartisan effort, saying, “It’s a good outcome for America and the American people.”
Social Security Fairness Act Passed
Alongside the funding bill, the Senate also passed the Social Security Fairness Act, correcting a long-standing issue that had reduced Social Security benefits for millions of retired public-sector workers. Schumer heralded the passage as “the end of a 50-year mistake,” benefiting teachers, firefighters, and other state and local workers.
Controversy and Compromise
The path to the agreement was marked by turbulence. An initial bipartisan deal was derailed after objections from President-elect Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk, leading to accusations from Democrats of undue influence by an unelected figure. The final version of the bill omitted several Democratic priorities, reflecting concessions made to secure Republican support.
Broader Implications
Schumer expressed hope that the bipartisan approach seen in the final negotiations could set a tone for cooperation in the coming year. The funding bill, he said, supports disaster relief, aids farmers, and avoids harmful spending cuts.
The resolution brings temporary stability to U.S. government operations, but the challenges of crafting longer-term agreements loom in the months ahead.
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A massive explosion at Shahid Rajaee Port in southern Iran on Saturday killed at least four people and injured nearly 600 others, officials said, prompting an urgent government investigation.
Two construction workers were critically injured Friday when suspected World War II-era ordnance exploded at a site near Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana, police said.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is set to visit Qatar on Sunday to discuss ways to deepen bilateral ties and coordinate on key regional matters, continuing the momentum from recent diplomatic exchanges.
Top Iranian and U.S. negotiators began a new round of indirect talks on Saturday in Muscat, seeking to broker a deal to curb Tehran's nuclear programme, as President Donald Trump expressed optimism about reaching an agreement.
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A massive explosion at Shahid Rajaee Port in southern Iran on Saturday killed at least four people and injured nearly 600 others, officials said, prompting an urgent government investigation.
Saudi Arabia on Friday unveiled its annual report highlighting the Kingdom’s advancements toward achieving the ambitious goals of Vision 2030 during the year 2024.
Two construction workers were critically injured Friday when suspected World War II-era ordnance exploded at a site near Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana, police said.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is set to visit Qatar on Sunday to discuss ways to deepen bilateral ties and coordinate on key regional matters, continuing the momentum from recent diplomatic exchanges.
Top Iranian and U.S. negotiators began a new round of indirect talks on Saturday in Muscat, seeking to broker a deal to curb Tehran's nuclear programme, as President Donald Trump expressed optimism about reaching an agreement.
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