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.
Signal president Meredith Whittaker has defended the platform’s security after senior Trump administration officials mistakenly included a journalist in a private Signal group chat discussing U.S. military action against Yemen’s Houthis.
Norway’s Defence Minister, Tore O. Sandvik, affirmed that the United States remains committed to European defence, but emphasized that Europe must contribute more financially to ensure the U.S. can uphold its security commitments.
Italy’s President Sergio Mattarella expressed confidence on Monday that the European Union (EU) has the strength to effectively respond to potential U.S. tariffs.
Hyundai Steel, in partnership with Hyundai Motor Group, announced a $5.8 billion investment to build a new steel plant in Louisiana, U.S., with an annual capacity of 2.7 million tonnes.
China has narrowed the artificial intelligence (AI) development gap with the United States to just three months in certain areas, according to Lee Kai-fu, the CEO of Chinese AI startup 01.AI.
As the world shifts toward clean energy at an ever-accelerating pace, large economies are scrambling to secure reliable supply chains for rare earth minerals. These minerals, once seen as mere industrial components, have become a political tool in the global power struggle
Kabul, Afghanistan - Climate change has become a critical destabilizing factor in Afghanistan, worsening the country's already severe economic and social instability.
U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz admitted on Tuesday that he created the Signal chat where sensitive details about U.S. strikes on Yemen were shared — and called the episode “embarrassing.”
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will face a no-confidence vote in parliament on Wednesday, marking an early test of the strength and unity of her ruling coalition after two days of fierce opposition scrutiny.
Signal president Meredith Whittaker has defended the platform’s security after senior Trump administration officials mistakenly included a journalist in a private Signal group chat discussing U.S. military action against Yemen’s Houthis.
Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson stated on Thursday that purchasing U.S. weapons does not pose a security risk for his country, but emphasized the need for Europe to reduce its reliance on American defense systems. His comments come amid growing discussions within Europe.
Mexican forces have dismantled a massive meth lab in Zacatecas, dealing a blow to a Sinaloa Cartel faction.
Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) pilots, monitoring a Chinese navy warship as it navigated Australian waters, were alerted to a live-fire exercise via a civilian radio broadcast, defense officials revealed on Tuesday.
Serbia’s parliament has officially accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Milos Vucevic, setting a 30-day deadline for the formation of a new government or the calling of snap elections.
A devastating overnight drone attack on Kyiv, attributed to Russian forces, resulted in the deaths of three people, including a five-year-old child, and left ten others injured.
Kabul, Afghanistan - Climate change has become a critical destabilizing factor in Afghanistan, worsening the country's already severe economic and social instability.
U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz admitted on Tuesday that he created the Signal chat where sensitive details about U.S. strikes on Yemen were shared — and called the episode “embarrassing.”
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will face a no-confidence vote in parliament on Wednesday, marking an early test of the strength and unity of her ruling coalition after two days of fierce opposition scrutiny.
Signal president Meredith Whittaker has defended the platform’s security after senior Trump administration officials mistakenly included a journalist in a private Signal group chat discussing U.S. military action against Yemen’s Houthis.
Russia and Ukraine have agreed to suspend attacks on key energy infrastructure for 30 days, according to a statement published by the Kremlin on Tuesday.
As the world shifts toward clean energy at an ever-accelerating pace, large economies are scrambling to secure reliable supply chains for rare earth minerals. These minerals, once seen as mere industrial components, have become a political tool in the global power struggle
Kabul, Afghanistan - Climate change has become a critical destabilizing factor in Afghanistan, worsening the country's already severe economic and social instability.
U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz admitted on Tuesday that he created the Signal chat where sensitive details about U.S. strikes on Yemen were shared — and called the episode “embarrassing.”
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will face a no-confidence vote in parliament on Wednesday, marking an early test of the strength and unity of her ruling coalition after two days of fierce opposition scrutiny.
Signal president Meredith Whittaker has defended the platform’s security after senior Trump administration officials mistakenly included a journalist in a private Signal group chat discussing U.S. military action against Yemen’s Houthis.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment