WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump signed a bipartisan budget bill into law on Friday, ending a three-day government shutdown and restoring full federal funding. The bill provides $1.5 trillion to fund government operations thru the fiscal year, averting a potential crisis that would have disrupted services across the country.
The agreement concludes a protracted battle over spending priorities, delivering funds for both defense and domestic programs. While avoiding a default, the deal reflects ongoing tensions within both parties regarding fiscal duty and the national debt, which now stands at over $30 trillion. the shutdown, triggered by disagreements over government funding levels, temporarily shuttered federal agencies and left hundreds of thousands of federal employees furloughed.
Key provisions of the bill include $782 billion for defense, a 5.6% increase,and $730 billion for non-defense discretionary spending,a roughly 6.8% increase. Meaningful allocations are directed towards infrastructure projects, including funding for bridge repairs and replacements. The legislation also includes provisions for continued aid to Ukraine and investments in public health initiatives.
Reporting on the bill included contributions from Reuters correspondents Nolan McCaskill (nolan.mccaskill@thomsonreuters.com), a Florida A&M University graduate and member of the National Association of black Journalists; Jason Lange (jason.lange@thomsonreuters.com), a Washington correspondent focused on political data; and Bo Erickson, a US politics correspondent based in Washington, DC. Erickson previously covered the White House and presidential campaigns for CBS news.
