US Lawmakers Avoid Government Shutdown with Stop-Gap Funding Deal

In a move to prevent a potential government shutdown, the House of Representatives has approved a stop-gap funding deal, ensuring that federal agencies remain operational until December 20. The agreement, set to be rubber-stamped by the Senate within hours, comes ahead of the September 30 deadline for approving a new government budget or facing a shutdown.

The measure, which received bipartisan support, would keep the government running at current spending levels, avoiding any disruptions to vital services. "Americans can breathe easy that, because both sides have chosen bipartisanship, Congress is getting the job done," said Chuck Schumer, the leader of the Democratic-controlled Senate.

The stop-gap funding deal was necessary as neither chamber had been able to agree on the various departmental budgets for the full 2025 fiscal year, starting October 1. The Republican-led House had initially pushed for a bill that would have extended funding through March next year, paired with the SAVE Act, which would have added proof-of-citizenship requirements to voter registration.

However, President Joe Biden’s administration opposed the SAVE Act, citing concerns that it could lead to eligible voters being blocked from voter rolls or otherwise deterred. Despite Donald Trump’s lobbying efforts to add the election measure to the bill, the House ultimately opted for a non-partisan version that dispensed with the SAVE Act.

As part of the package, the House also voted for more than $230 million to increase protection for Trump and other candidates on the campaign trail, following two assassination bids against the former president.

With this deal, the focus now shifts to the election, as most lawmakers in both chambers head back to their home states to campaign and are not expected back in Washington until after the election.