WASHINGTON D.C., DC —
A bipartisan deal would keep funding levels where they are for the next three months.
Late on Wednesday afternoon, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to avoid a government shutdown for now. The move now sets up another spending showdown in December.
The measure must still pass in the U.S. Senate.
The new resolution also provides $231 million to the Secret Service. It comes after one assassination attempt and another thwarted plot in recent weeks on former President Donald Trump.
“So, both Democrats and Republicans have agreed. No need to wait 'til the end of the year on this, let's boost our Secret Service funding,” Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) said on Wednesday.
Government shutdowns are not a new problem, as they have become more common in recent years. The fiscal year for Congress ends on September 30 and Kaine said switching the dates of the fiscal year could help solve the issue.
"When you have a budget that finishes on September 30 every other year, 100% of the body is not focused on the budget. They're focused on the elections,” Kaine explained
The House's passage of the spending bill comes just days after a failed vote which included a proposal to require Americans to show proof of citizenship to register to vote. Kaine feels confident the stopgap provides enough time to pass a fully funded budget.
"The short-term extension goes through December 20, which I like a lot better than December 31 because hopefully then we will get the deal done enabling members to spend a little bit of time with their families at the holidays,” Kaine said.