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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Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested a missile 'duel' with the United States
A cargo ship, ANMAH, capsized at an Istanbul port early on Monday, after an imbalance in its cargo loading, according to the local governor's office.
France observes a national day of mourning for Mayotte after Cyclone Chido, the worst storm in 90 years, left devastation and a disputed death toll, with flags at half-mast across the nation.
U.S. judge ruled on Friday in favour of Meta Platforms' WhatsApp in a lawsuit accusing Israel's NSO Group of exploiting a bug in the messaging app to install spy software allowing unauthorized surveillance.
The Kremlin on Monday rejected Turkish media reports which suggested that Asma al-Assad, the British-born wife of former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, wanted a divorce and to leave Russia.
Altay Prefecture in China's Xinjiang is emerging as a popular winter tourism destination, with a long snow season and well-developed ski resorts. The region offers a range of winter activities, drawing both local and international visitors.
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A cargo ship, ANMAH, capsized at an Istanbul port early on Monday, after an imbalance in its cargo loading, according to the local governor's office.
France observes a national day of mourning for Mayotte after Cyclone Chido, the worst storm in 90 years, left devastation and a disputed death toll, with flags at half-mast across the nation.
The Kremlin on Monday rejected Turkish media reports which suggested that Asma al-Assad, the British-born wife of former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, wanted a divorce and to leave Russia.
Altay Prefecture in China's Xinjiang is emerging as a popular winter tourism destination, with a long snow season and well-developed ski resorts. The region offers a range of winter activities, drawing both local and international visitors.
A Chechen refugee’s challenge to France’s restrictive MICAS orders highlights growing concerns over civil rights. Despite no criminal record, Khaled faces limits on movement amid heightened security for Strasbourg’s Christmas market. Courts call the measures excessive.
A cargo ship, ANMAH, capsized at an Istanbul port early on Monday, after an imbalance in its cargo loading, according to the local governor's office.
France observes a national day of mourning for Mayotte after Cyclone Chido, the worst storm in 90 years, left devastation and a disputed death toll, with flags at half-mast across the nation.
U.S. judge ruled on Friday in favour of Meta Platforms' WhatsApp in a lawsuit accusing Israel's NSO Group of exploiting a bug in the messaging app to install spy software allowing unauthorized surveillance.
The Kremlin on Monday rejected Turkish media reports which suggested that Asma al-Assad, the British-born wife of former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, wanted a divorce and to leave Russia.
Altay Prefecture in China's Xinjiang is emerging as a popular winter tourism destination, with a long snow season and well-developed ski resorts. The region offers a range of winter activities, drawing both local and international visitors.
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