Joe Biden signs temporary spending bill, postponing government shutdown until December

President Joe Biden on Thursday enacted a temporary spending bill to ensure government agencies continue to operate until December 20.

This legislation effectively delays major funding decisions until after the November elections.

The bill was passed easily in Congress with bipartisan support , receiving votes of 341-82 in the House and 78-18 in the Senate. All opposing votes came from Republicans.

The stopgap measure maintains current funding levels and includes an additional $231 million for the Secret Service , due to attempts on the life of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump .

It also allocates funds for the presidential transition .

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La, stated, "only what's absolutely necessary," in reference to the measure, addressing concerns within his party about spending levels. Johnson emphasised a government shutdown would have been the only alternative to this temporary solution.