Lawmakers react to stopgap funding and averting government shutdown

As the dust settles on Congress frantically passing a stopgap bill at the eleventh hour to avoid a government shutdown, lawmakers are reflecting on a chaotic week on Capitol Hill. President Biden signed the 118-page bill into law on Saturday, extending government funding into March and providing over $100 billion in disaster aid for those affected by storms Helene and Milton in the U.S. Southeast earlier this year. Additionally, the bill includes a $10 billion provision for economic assistance to farmers.

While President Biden has not publicly commented on the passage of the legislation, sources indicate that President-elect Trump is not entirely happy with the bill as it does not suspend the debt ceiling. The U.S. Capitol witnessed a flurry of tough negotiations throughout the week, culminating in the passage of the funding bill just in time to avert a government shutdown.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, who faced criticism from both Republicans and Democrats for his handling of the negotiations, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, calling it a “good outcome for the country.” House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries hailed the legislation as a win for his party, emphasizing the protection of America’s working families, veterans, seniors, farmers, and first responders against the GOP’s agenda.

The passage of the funding legislation was met with approval from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who praised the bipartisan effort to keep the government open, provide aid to those affected by natural disasters, and protect agricultural supply chains. Republican Rep. Nicole Malliotakis lauded the revised funding package for delivering aid to Americans in need while respecting taxpayers.

Despite the successful passage of the bill, concerns were raised about President Biden’s limited role in negotiations, with some questioning his absence from the process. Republican Rep. Mike Lawler emphasized the need to avoid giving Democrats leverage in negotiations, particularly regarding the debt ceiling.

In a surprising move, the Senate approved the D.C. Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act, introduced by House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer. The bill would transfer control of the RFK campus from the federal government to the District of Columbia, paving the way for potential plans for a new Washington Commanders stadium.

Overall, the passage of the stopgap funding bill marked a critical moment in Congress’s efforts to avert a government shutdown and address pressing economic challenges. Lawmakers are now turning their attention to future negotiations and legislative priorities as the nation braces for a new chapter in its governance.