President Joe Biden Signs Bipartisan Short-Term Spending Bill to Avoid Government Shutdown

President Joe Biden has signed a bipartisan short-term spending bill, preventing a potential government shutdown and giving lawmakers more time to sort out their differences over the federal budget.

The president signed the bill while attending the Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco, where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other Asian world leaders. The bill, known as a continuing resolution, extends funding for the Departments of Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, Energy and Veterans Affairs until January 19th, while other government entities are funded through February 2nd.

The bill was signed at the Legion of Honor Museum, where President Biden was hosting a dinner for APEC members. The measure passed the House and Senate by wide bipartisan margins this week, ensuring the government remains open until after the holiday season.

The bill signing comes as wartime aid for Ukraine and Israel remains stalled. President Biden has urged Congress to pass a long-term spending bill that would provide more certainty for the federal budget. He has also called for an increase in domestic spending, which has been opposed by many Republicans.

The short-term spending bill is a temporary solution to the budget impasse, and it remains to be seen if lawmakers can reach a compromise on a long-term spending bill in the new year.