US Avoids Shutdown Crisis... Senate Passes Temporary Budget Bill (Comprehensive)

No Shutdown If Biden Signs After House Approval
Debt Ceiling Increase Still Uncertain
Political Strife Expected to Continue Until the 18th

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] The U.S. Senate has passed a temporary federal budget bill. As a result, the temporary federal government shutdown scheduled for the next day is expected to be averted. However, the debt ceiling increase, another source of concern, was not addressed, and a tense tug-of-war between the ruling and opposition parties is anticipated until the default deadline set for the 18th of next month.

On the 30th (local time), the Senate voted on the temporary budget bill applicable until December 3rd, passing it with 65 votes in favor and 35 against.

Once the temporary budget bill passed by the Senate is approved by the House of Representatives and signed by President Joe Biden, it will take effect. All these procedures must be completed before midnight of the same day.

Both parties welcomed the voting results. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell explained that the inclusion of disaster relief funds and Afghan refugee resettlement costs, which the Republicans demanded, in the temporary budget bill marked progress. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer also said, "I'm glad we could reach an agreement."

The Democrats initially tried to link the temporary budget bill with the debt ceiling increase, but when they failed due to Republican opposition, they shifted to separating the budget bill and the debt ceiling increase.

Unlike the temporary budget bill, the $1 trillion infrastructure investment bill that the Democrats intended to pass in the House on the same day remains uncertain.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.