- Last-minute bill funds government through September 2024
- $13 billion cut to domestic programs offsets $6 billion military increase
- Senate passes measure with reluctant Democratic support
- Schumer warns shutdown could accelerate agency dismantling
- House Republicans claim legislative victory through partisan strategy
President Trump signed a contentious $1.66 trillion spending package Saturday, narrowly avoiding what would have been the first federal shutdown of his administration. The legislation maintains 72% of programs at Biden-era funding levels while implementing targeted reductions in environmental and housing initiatives.
The Senate's 54-46 Friday vote revealed deepening Democratic fractures, with ten moderates crossing party lines. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) defended her yes vote: While imperfect, this bill protects 90% of our climate investments. A shutdown would have erased everything.
Budget analysts note the 3.8% defense spending increase aligns with Pentagon plans to modernize Pacific theater assets, while the 1.9% domestic cut disproportionately affects HUD grants. In Cleveland, housing authority director Tamika Reynolds warned: These cuts could delay 400 affordable unit renovations scheduled for 2025.
Three critical insights emerge from the deal:
- Emergency FEMA funding now requires state matching funds
- DOGE efficiency reforms enable faster privatization of USDA inspections
- Border wall allocations remain unchanged despite earlier Democratic objections
The legislative victory strengthens Speaker Johnson's position, with 95% House Republican support achieved through last-minute amendments benefiting oil drilling permits and farm subsidies. However, progressive Democrats vow retaliation, with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) announcing plans to introduce a discharge petition for childcare funding restoration.