Congress Passes Stopgap Bill to Keep Government Running and Federal Workers at Their Desks, Despite Lack of New Aid to Ukraine

Congress has passed a stopgap bill to keep federal agencies funded and workers at their desks through mid-November, just hours before a potential government shutdown. The bill, which passed the House of Representatives 335 to 91 and the Senate 88 to 9, includes $6 billion in aid to help Ukraine defend itself against Russian invaders.

The bill was passed after House Republicans initially demanded huge spending cuts, then shifted to demanding miscellaneous border related abuses to get their prized shutdown. In the end, they agreed to give up all their demands and settled for giving Vladimir Putin a big sloppy kiss in the form of killing any new aid to Ukraine in this continuing resolution.

The bill was supported by 209 Democrats and 126 Republicans. It will keep the government operating through November 16 and also fund disaster assistance.

The passage of the bill is a denouement of the latest House GOP clown show, and is seen as a victory for the Trump administration. It is feared that the lack of new aid to Ukraine may encourage Russian dictator Vladimir Putin to continue the full-scale invasion he started in February 2022.

The bill’s passage is a relief to many, as it will keep the government running and federal workers at their desks. However, it is also a cause for concern, as the lack of new aid to Ukraine may encourage Russian aggression.