The Senate passed a $467 billion spending bill on Friday evening following an hourslong standoff with conservatives that raised the distinct possibility of a partial government shutdown.
The legislation hit a roadblock after Republicans demanded votes on about eight amendments, several of which were focused on immigration. But there were signs of trouble days earlier when those same senators signaled their opposition to billions in earmarks tacked on to the legislation.
However, Senate leadership ultimately locked in a time agreement that allowed the chamber to expedite passage and avert a midnight deadline to pass a package of six spending bills. Senators voted on several amendments, each of which failed, before approving the measure in a 75-22 vote.
“After months of hard work, we have good news for the country,” Schumer said on the floor ahead of the vote. “Tonight, the Senate has reached an agreement avoiding a shutdown on the first six funding bills. Because both sides cooperated today, we have taken a major step toward our goal of fully funding the government.”
The legislation, referred to as a “minibus,” combines funding for six of the government’s must-pass spending bills ahead of the first shutdown deadline and adheres to the $1.59 trillion top-line number that was negotiated earlier this year.
The minibus, which funds the government through the rest of the fiscal year, includes funding for Agriculture; Military Construction and Veterans Affairs; Transportation, Housing and Urban Development; Energy and Water; Interior and Environment; and Commerce, Justice, and Science.
“By passing these bills, we can turn the page and show America that the vast majority of Congress is still focused on doing its job and working through tough negotiations so we can help people and solve problems,” Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), the chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said during a speech on the Senate floor on Wednesday.
Republican leaders framed the bill as a win for their party, citing several changes to the final text, such as cuts to the FBI, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; more funding for the Drug Enforcement Administration; measures to bolster gun rights for veterans; and restrictions on oil sales to China.
Several conservative lawmakers opposed the bill over earmarks, submitted by both parties, that remained in the final legislation. The minibus includes more than 6,000 earmarks worth more than $12.6 billion.
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Meanwhile, Democrats are applauding the legislation as it would fully fund the “WIC” program, which provides food assistance for infants, children, and women while providing investments for new air traffic controllers, a pay raise for firefighters, and rental assistance.
A larger and more challenging shutdown deadline looms in two weeks, however. Congress has until March 22 to fund the more controversial of the 12 annual spending bills, including money for the Pentagon, but appropriators have yet to strike a deal.
