US Temporary Budget Bill Passed by Both Houses... 'Shutdown' Temporarily Halted

On the 30th (local time), the deadline for the U.S. federal government's next fiscal year's budget processing, the Senate passed a 45-day temporary budget following the House of Representatives. As a result, the 'shutdown' (halt in government employees' salaries and some operations) crisis was averted for the time being.

The temporary budget newly proposed by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy was approved in the House plenary session with 335 votes in favor and 91 against, supported by Democratic lawmakers.

On the 5th of last month (local time), a construction site in front of the U.S. Congress in Washington DC displayed a danger warning sign. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Approximately 99% of Democratic lawmakers, 209 members, and 57% of Republican lawmakers, 126 members, voted in favor.

Subsequently, the temporary budget was passed in the Senate with 88 votes in favor and 9 against.

Just after 9 p.m., about three hours before the shutdown, the bill dramatically cleared the congressional hurdle. The temporary budget will take effect once President Joe Biden signs it.

The temporary budget includes a freeze on the federal government budget until mid-November. It does not include the significant budget cuts demanded by hardline Republicans. Also, instead of including the Ukraine aid budget, which faces strong Republican opposition, it fully accepted the $16 billion (approximately 22 trillion won) increase in disaster relief funds requested by President Biden. The Republicans' stringent immigration policy demands were not reflected.

This temporary budget was dramatically processed as both parties in the U.S. reached a last-minute consensus to avoid a shutdown that could negatively impact the daily lives of Americans and the U.S. and global economies. Although the U.S. Congress has gained an additional 45 days to process the main budget bill, significant difficulties are expected during negotiations due to clear disagreements over issues such as Ukraine aid.

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