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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U.S. President Donald Trump called his recent phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin “very good.” The two leaders spoke on Monday about the situation in Iran and other international issues.
Bahrain’s state-owned oil company Bapco has declared force majeure after an attack set the country’s only refinery ablaze. The firm says domestic supplies remain secure, but operations are disrupted by the ongoing Middle East conflict, underscoring regional energy risks.
A delegation from Georgia's ruling party visits Washington for a Congress and sovereignty summit this week, however analysts say Georgia remains largely absent from current U.S. regional priorities.
The United Nations has called for an investigation into a deadly attack on a girls’ primary school in Iran, which Iranian officials say has killed more than 100 children. The U.S. has said its forces “would not” deliberately target a school.
Iran says it is open to talks with countries seeking safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz - disrupted by recent attacks - as Israel continues to launch wide‑scale strikes on Iranian infrastructure in the west. This live report tracks the latest developments.
President Trump called on countries to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while Starmer said the UK is working with allies to restore navigation and stabilise oil markets. It comes as a strike near Iraq’s western border killed several Hashed al-Shaabi fighters, raising regional tensions.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 15 March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Top U.S. and Chinese economic officials launched a new round of talks in Paris on Sunday (15 March) to resolve issues in their trade truce. The discussions aim to smooth the way for U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping at the end of March.
The process of evacuating foreign diplomats and citizens from Iran to Azerbaijan through the Astara state border crossing continues on Sunday (15 March), ensuring smooth and efficient transit for those arriving.
Senior officials from the United States and China met in Paris this week for a new round of trade talks, as the world’s two largest economies attempt to manage their economic rivalry and avoid further tensions.
Court documents released on Monday (16 March) revealed that the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has asked a U.S. judge to dismiss President Donald Trump's $10 billion defamation suit over a 2024 documentary, arguing his re-election proves the edited 2021 speech did not harm his reputation.
Polish fighter jets intercepted a Russian reconnaissance aircraft over the Baltic Sea on Friday (13 March), according to Poland’s Operational Command.
Russia has imposed a fine of 35 million roubles (around $432,366) on the messaging platform Telegram for failing to remove content deemed illegal by the authorities, according to the Interfax news agency.
Madagascar's president, Michael Randrianirina announced the appointment of anti-corruption chief Mamitiana Rajaonarison as prime minister, six days after dismissing the previous premier along with the entire cabinet.
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