WASHINGTON, United States — President Joe Biden signed a government funding bill into law on Saturday, narrowly avoiding a Christmas-season shutdown after intense last-minute negotiations in Congress.

The bill, passed just minutes after the Friday midnight deadline, ensures government operations will continue until mid-March. Lawmakers faced pressure from incoming president Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk, who opposed earlier bipartisan deals and pushed for changes that derailed initial agreements.

"This agreement represents a compromise," Biden said in a statement. "But it rejects the accelerated pathway to a tax cut for billionaires that Republicans sought."

The bill passed both chambers after extended debates, with the Democratic-controlled Senate helping the Republican-led House finalize the deal. Failure to act would have led to widespread closures of national parks and unpaid work for law enforcement officers, impacting nearly 2.3 million federal employees.

Pressure from Trump and Musk

Trump and Musk played key roles in the funding standoff, pushing Republicans to abandon earlier agreements. Musk’s vocal criticism of the original bill—particularly its pharmaceutical reforms and China-related restrictions—sparked accusations of undue influence.

"Musk’s ties to China raise significant questions about his involvement," said Representative Rosa DeLauro, referring to Tesla’s investments in the country.

Despite Musk’s opposition, Congress ultimately approved $110 billion in disaster relief and financial aid for farmers, while excluding contested provisions on China investments and congressional pay.

Shifting power dynamics

Trump’s efforts to influence the outcome faced limits, as lawmakers sought stability heading into the holiday season. Republican Speaker Mike Johnson acknowledged the compromise, but forecasted major changes in January when Trump returns to office.

"Things are going to be very different around here," Johnson said, hinting at Republican-led reforms under Trump’s administration.

Looking ahead

With funding secured until March 14, Congress has a brief reprieve to address longer-term budget negotiations. Biden emphasized the importance of prioritizing American families and essential services in future funding debates.

(Source: By Frankie Taggart, AFP)