Congress Averts Government Shutdown as Conservatives Steam Over Border, Spending

Congress cleared legislation extending government funding into March, a step that ensures federal workers will remain on the job but does nothing to alleviate underlying political pressures stemming from high U.S. debt levels, record crossings at the southern border and an enduring war in Ukraine.

The Senate passed the measure 77-18, followed by House approval, 314-108. The two votes send the measure to President Biden’s desk with time to spare ahead of the weekend deadline. In a replay of recent votes that underscore the fragility of the GOP majority, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R., La.) relied heavily on Democrats to bring the continuing resolution across the finish line, with almost half of Republicans declining to back the measure.

The day marked the latest turn in a long-running fight that has hobbled Congress and carved divisions through the Republican Party, with conservatives digging in on their demands for deep cuts as a condition for agreeing to back funding the government but being rebuffed by party leaders.