Senate passes multi-billion-dollar funding package to avoid government shutdown

The Senate passed a $460 billion package of spending bills to avert a partial government shutdown ahead of the first funding deadline Friday. 

The package passed as the U.S. national debt has surpassed $34 trillion, a record high.

Lawmakers spent the majority of Friday considering motions related to the slate of bills and debating the package following President Biden's State of the Union address on Thursday night. 

The votes were 75-22 in favor, and the package now goes to Biden for him to sign.

Bills funding Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the Departments of Justice and Commerce, Energy and Water Development, the Department of Interior, and Transportation and Housing for the remainder of fiscal year 2024 were ultimately approved by senators and will head to President Biden's desk to be signed.