WASHINGTON : Despite the shutdown, the United States Senate passed a spending package with bipartisan backing, approving the measure by a vote of 71 to 29. Officials from both parties indicated that the pause in government activities is likely to be brief, with negotiations continuing behind the scenes.
Lawmakers are working to ensure that disagreements over enforcing immigration laws do not derail broader government functions. This approach marks a clear departure from last year’s standoff, when divisions over healthcare funding led to the longest government shutdown in US history, lasting 43 days and costing the economy an estimated $11 billion.
Under the plan approved by the Senate, funding for the Department of Homeland Security has been separated from the wider government funding package. This allows Congress to move forward with financing key departments such as Defense and Labor, while continuing negotiations on possible new restrictions related to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
As part of the temporary arrangement, funding for the Department of Homeland Security will be extended for two weeks.
Despite a government shutdown, the US Senate approved a spending package with bipartisan support, indicating a short-lived pause in activities. The plan separates Homeland Security funding, allowing other departments to operate while immigration law negotiations continue.