WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has signed a bill into law that funds the government through the end of September, averting a potential partial government shutdown. The legislation marks the end of a contentious struggle in Congress that sharply divided Democrats.
Harrison Fields, the White House principal deputy press secretary, announced on social media that Trump signed the continuing resolution on Saturday. The bill largely maintains government funding levels established during Joe Biden’s presidency, with some adjustments. Non-defense spending has been reduced by approximately $13 billion from the previous year, while defense spending has been increased by about $6 billion. These changes are relatively minor considering the total spending amount of nearly $1.7 trillion.
The Senate passed the legislation on Friday in a 54-46 vote along party lines, with 10 Senate Democrats supporting the bill’s advancement despite internal opposition. Some House Democrats urged their colleagues to reject the bill outright, emphasizing concerns that it does not adequately prioritize healthcare, housing, and other key areas. They also expressed apprehension about granting Trump broad authority to reallocate federal funds, particularly as his administration and the Department of Government Efficiency work to dismantle congressionally approved agencies and programs.
Ultimately, enough Democratic senators decided that avoiding a government shutdown was preferable to blocking the funding bill. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer warned that a shutdown would empower the Trump administration to label entire agencies, programs, and personnel as non-essential, resulting in staff layoffs without guarantees of reemployment.
The bill’s passage in the House earlier in the week was seen as a win for Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson, who successfully rallied Republican support to secure its approval without Democratic backing — a rare accomplishment for them in recent times.
