US President Donald Trump’s administration on Wednesday (Jun 24) has sent a request to Congress for about $87.6 billion in funding to address “urgent needs”. Most of the funding is sought by the Pentagon to cover expenses related to the Iran war. The proposal also includes money for Ebola response efforts in Central Africa and financial support for American farmers.“We look forward to working with Congress to get this passed on behalf of the Warfighter and ensure we remain ready to respond to contingencies today,” spokesman Sean Parnell said in a statement.The Department of War has requested for $67 billion in funds, including $21 billion for munitions, $17.3 billion for operational costs and $12.1 billion for classified programs. The Pentagon has stated that it needs $767.5 million for the Department of Energy related to the war and Iran’s nuclear capabilities. It has also cited $300 million for the State Department for embassy security and construction in countries surrounding Iran.The development comes at a politically challenging moment for the White House as the Trump administration faces increasing concerns over the economic impact of the conflict in the Middle East. Lawmakers are also under intense pressure to justify war-related spending. Democrats have already expressed criticism for the proposal, arguing that much of the requested funding should be reviewed through the normal budget process rather than through emergency legislation.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-of-the-worst-in-business-trump-threatens-to-sue-abc-news-over-reflecting-pool-report-1782195832015">'One of the worst in business': Trump threatens to sue ABC news over Reflecting Pool report</a>“After dragging America into a reckless war, he now wants Congress to hand him tens of billions more to paper over the damage – while families are still paying higher prices,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said on the supplemental request.Calling the request “an attempt to secure tens of billions of additional dollars for unrelated Pentagon priorities”, Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, the leading Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, said that the funds “should rightly be considered through the annual appropriations process”.“I will closely review this request in its entirety and ensure we take care of our servicemembers, but I will not rubberstamp tens of billions more for this disastrous war of choice,” she said in a statement.Defending the proposal, GOP Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi, the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said that the funding was “essential,” adding that it would “accelerate immediate production of key capabilities, from exquisite munitions to low-cost hypersonics, strike weapons and drones.”Apart from military spending, the proposal also seeks $11.1 billion in farm aid and $1.4 billion for efforts against the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and other parts of Africa.

The Trump administration has asked Congress for $88 billion in emergency funding to cover Iran war costs, Ebola outbreak response, military readiness and financial aid for American farmers.

US President Donald Trump’s administration on Wednesday (Jun 24) has sent a request to Congress for about $87.6 billion in funding to address “urgent needs”. Most of the funding is sought by the Pentagon to cover expenses related to the Iran war. The proposal also includes money for Ebola response efforts in Central Africa and financial support for American farmers. “We look forward to working with Congress to get this passed on behalf of the Warfighter and ensure we remain ready to respond to contingencies today,” spokesman Sean Parnell said in a statement. The Department of War has requested for $67 billion in funds, including $21 billion for munitions, $17.3 billion for operational costs and $12.1 billion for classified programs. The Pentagon has stated that it needs $767.5 million for the Department of Energy related to the war and Iran’s nuclear capabilities. It has also cited $300 million for the State Department for embassy security and construction in countries surrounding Iran. The development comes at a politically challenging moment for the White House as the Trump administration faces increasing concerns over the economic impact of the conflict in the Middle East. Lawmakers are also under intense pressure to justify war-related spending. Democrats have already expressed criticism for the proposal, arguing that much of the requested funding should be reviewed through the normal budget process rather than through emergency legislation. Also read | 'One of the worst in business': Trump threatens to sue ABC news over Reflecting Pool report “After dragging America into a reckless war, he now wants Congress to hand him tens of billions more to paper over the damage – while families are still paying higher prices,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said on the supplemental request. Calling the request “an attempt to secure tens of billions of additional dollars for unrelated Pentagon priorities”, Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, the leading Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, said that the funds “should rightly be considered through the annual appropriations process”. “I will closely review this request in its entirety and ensure we take care of our servicemembers, but I will not rubberstamp tens of billions more for this disastrous war of choice,” she said in a statement. Defending the proposal, GOP Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi, the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said that the funding was “essential,” adding that it would “accelerate immediate production of key capabilities, from exquisite munitions to low-cost hypersonics, strike weapons and drones.” Apart from military spending, the proposal also seeks $11.1 billion in farm aid and $1.4 billion for efforts against the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and other parts of Africa.

The Trump administration has asked Congress for $88 billion in emergency funding to cover Iran war costs, Ebola outbreak response, military readiness and financial aid for American farmers.

Trump administration requests $88 billion for Iran war, other expenses

The United States on Tuesday (Sep 30) is hours from its first government shutdown in six years, with funding set to expire at midnight after a dramatic collapse of negotiations in Congress. Despite last-ditch talks, the Senate failed to advance a temporary funding bill, leaving hundreds of thousands of federal workers bracing for furloughs and key services at risk of disruption. President Donald Trump, who earlier predicted, “we’ll probably have a shutdown,” blamed Democrats for the impasse, accusing them of bowing to “far-left maniacs” and warning he would target progressive programs if the stoppage dragged on. Meanwhile, Democrats pointed fingers at Republicans, saying "they are plunging Americans into a shutdown".Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-how-is-he-posting-this-trump-boasts-of-24kt-gold-in-white-house-hours-after-deadly-church-shooting-1759122910225">'HOW is he posting THIS': Trump boasts of 24kt gold in White House hours after deadly church shooting</a><h2>Republicans, Democrats trade blame</h2>Republicans, led by Senate Majority Leader John Thune, at a press conference after the Senate failed to pass a funding bill, accused Democrats of staging a political showdown. “The Democrat caucus here in town in the Senate has chosen to shut down the government over a clean, nonpartisan funding bill,” Thune said, claiming that this was done to engage in a "showdown" with Trump. "Far-left interest groups and far-left Democratic members wanted a showdown with the president".Democrats, however, pointed the finger back at the White House. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Republicans had “plunged Americans into a shutdown” by refusing to negotiate over rising healthcare costs, warning that Affordable Care Act enrollees would face soaring premiums next year.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-the-peacemaker-10-takeaways-from-his-gaza-peace-plan-that-has-netanyahu-s-backing-1759195574203">Trump the ‘peacemaker’? 10 takeaways from his Gaza peace plan that has Netanyahu's backing</a><h2>History repeats itself: Trump presidencies and US shutdowns</h2>With Republicans controlling both chambers but lacking the 60 Senate votes needed to pass a funding bill, Democrats are trying to flex rare leverage just eight months into Trump’s second term.A shutdown would shutter nonessential government operations, delay pay cheques for federal workers, and disrupt social safety net benefits — a scenario deeply unpopular with voters. The longest shutdown on record, as per AFP, was also under Trump — his first term — and lasted 35 days in 2018-19. &nbsp;

The US is hours from its first government shutdown in six years as Congress fails to pass a funding bill. Trump blames Democrats for bowing to “far-left maniacs,” while Democrats accuse Republicans of plunging America into crisis. All you need to know.

The United States on Tuesday (Sep 30) is hours from its first government shutdown in six years, with funding set to expire at midnight after a dramatic collapse of negotiations in Congress. Despite last-ditch talks, the Senate failed to advance a temporary funding bill, leaving hundreds of thousands of federal workers bracing for furloughs and key services at risk of disruption. President Donald Trump, who earlier predicted, “we’ll probably have a shutdown,” blamed Democrats for the impasse, accusing them of bowing to “far-left maniacs” and warning he would target progressive programs if the stoppage dragged on. Meanwhile, Democrats pointed fingers at Republicans, saying "they are plunging Americans into a shutdown". Also read | 'HOW is he posting THIS': Trump boasts of 24kt gold in White House hours after deadly church shooting Republicans, Democrats trade blame Republicans, led by Senate Majority Leader John Thune, at a press conference after the Senate failed to pass a funding bill, accused Democrats of staging a political showdown. “The Democrat caucus here in town in the Senate has chosen to shut down the government over a clean, nonpartisan funding bill,” Thune said, claiming that this was done to engage in a "showdown" with Trump. "Far-left interest groups and far-left Democratic members wanted a showdown with the president". Democrats, however, pointed the finger back at the White House. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Republicans had “plunged Americans into a shutdown” by refusing to negotiate over rising healthcare costs, warning that Affordable Care Act enrollees would face soaring premiums next year. Also read | Trump the ‘peacemaker’? 10 takeaways from his Gaza peace plan that has Netanyahu's backing History repeats itself: Trump presidencies and US shutdowns With Republicans controlling both chambers but lacking the 60 Senate votes needed to pass a funding bill, Democrats are trying to flex rare leverage just eight months into Trump’s second term. A shutdown would shutter nonessential government operations, delay pay cheques for federal workers, and disrupt social safety net benefits — a scenario deeply unpopular with voters. The longest shutdown on record, as per AFP, was also under Trump — his first term — and lasted 35 days in 2018-19.

The US is hours from its first government shutdown in six years as Congress fails to pass a funding bill. Trump blames Democrats for bowing to “far-left maniacs,” while Democrats accuse Republicans of plunging America into crisis. All you need to know.

US hours away from first government shutdown in nearly 7 years as talks collapse; Republicans and Democrats trade blame

The US House of Representatives passed a stopgap funding bill on Friday (Dec 20), narrowly avoiding a looming government shutdown. With just hours left before federal operations were set to grind to a halt, the measure was passed with a rare bipartisan backing, managing to keep the lights on for a few more months.

In nearby Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's political troubles seem to have no end, as a key ally who was helping keep him in office said on Friday (Dec 20) he would bring down the liberal government and trigger an election in the country.

In Germany, a deadly car attack on a Christmas market on Friday (Dec 20) killed at least two, including a toddler while over 60 people were injured as a vehicle barrelled through revellers at high speed.

Click on the headlines for more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-passes-stopgap-funding-bill-minus-trumps-debt-ceiling-president-elect-says-let-shutdown-begin-now-785691">US House&nbsp;passes stopgap funding bill minus Trump's debt ceiling; President-elect says let shutdown 'begin now'</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/12/21/472356-new-wion-2024-12-21t060408317.jpg?imwidth=400" />

To keep the US government running, the House of Representatives passed a stopgap funding bill on Friday (Dec 20), narrowly avoiding a looming shutdown. With just hours left before federal operations were set to grind to a halt, the measure was passed with a rare bipartisan backing, managing to keep the lights on for a few more months.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-pm-justin-trudeau-on-brink-of-losing-power-as-key-ally-ndp-vows-to-launch-no-confidence-move-785706">Canada PM Justin Trudeau on brink of losing power as key ally NDP vows to launch no-confidence vote</a> 
<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/12/21/472364-new-wion-2024-12-21t081931457.jpg?imwidth=400" />

&nbsp;

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's political troubles seem to have no end, as on Friday (Dec 20) a key ally who was helping keep him in office said he would bring down the liberal government and trigger an election in the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-christmas-market-attack-two-killed-60-injured-in-magdeburg-car-attack-police-arrest-saudi-man-785693">Germany Christmas market attack: Two Killed, 60 Injured in Magdeburg car attack; Police arrest Saudi man</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/12/21/472357-new-wion-2024-12-21t063630250.jpg?imwidth=400" />

&nbsp;

In Germany, a deadly car attack on a Christmas market on Friday (Dec 20) killed at least two, including a toddler while over 60 people were injured as a vehicle barrelled through revellers at high speed. German police have arrested a Saudi man for the attack in the state of Saxony-Anhalt.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fda-expands-weight-loss-drug-zepbound-approval-to-treat-sleep-apnea-785705">FDA expands weight loss drug Zepbound approval to treat sleep apnea</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/12/21/472366-untitled-design-48.png?imwidth=400" />

The FDA has approved Eli Lilly’s obesity treatment, Zepbound, for the management of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in people with obesity. This marks the first time a medication has been approved to treat this condition

Russia-Ukraine War: Ukrainian Rockets Kill 7, Injure 8 In Kursk Region

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-ukrainian-rockets-kill-7-injure-8-in-kursk-region-785716/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The US House of Representatives passed a stopgap funding bill on Friday (Dec 20), narrowly avoiding a looming government shutdown. With just hours left before federal operations were set to grind to a halt, the measure was passed with a rare bipartisan backing, managing to keep the lights on for a few more months.

The US House of Representatives passed a stopgap funding bill on Friday (Dec 20), narrowly avoiding a looming government shutdown. With just hours left before federal operations were set to grind to a halt, the measure was passed with a rare bipartisan backing, managing to keep the lights on for a few more months. In nearby Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's political troubles seem to have no end, as a key ally who was helping keep him in office said on Friday (Dec 20) he would bring down the liberal government and trigger an election in the country. In Germany, a deadly car attack on a Christmas market on Friday (Dec 20) killed at least two, including a toddler while over 60 people were injured as a vehicle barrelled through revellers at high speed. Click on the headlines for more US House passes stopgap funding bill minus Trump's debt ceiling; President-elect says let shutdown 'begin now' To keep the US government running, the House of Representatives passed a stopgap funding bill on Friday (Dec 20), narrowly avoiding a looming shutdown. With just hours left before federal operations were set to grind to a halt, the measure was passed with a rare bipartisan backing, managing to keep the lights on for a few more months. Canada PM Justin Trudeau on brink of losing power as key ally NDP vows to launch no-confidence vote Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's political troubles seem to have no end, as on Friday (Dec 20) a key ally who was helping keep him in office said he would bring down the liberal government and trigger an election in the country. Germany Christmas market attack: Two Killed, 60 Injured in Magdeburg car attack; Police arrest Saudi man In Germany, a deadly car attack on a Christmas market on Friday (Dec 20) killed at least two, including a toddler while over 60 people were injured as a vehicle barrelled through revellers at high speed. German police have arrested a Saudi man for the attack in the state of Saxony-Anhalt. FDA expands weight loss drug Zepbound approval to treat sleep apnea The FDA has approved Eli Lilly’s obesity treatment, Zepbound, for the management of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in people with obesity. This marks the first time a medication has been approved to treat this condition Russia-Ukraine War: Ukrainian Rockets Kill 7, Injure 8 In Kursk Region

Morning news brief: US House passes stopgap funding bill; Canada PM set to face no-confidence vote, and more

New Delhi, India
The US House of Representatives passed a stopgap funding bill on Friday (Dec 20), narrowly avoiding a looming government shutdown. With just hours left before federal operations were set to grind to a halt, the measure was passed with a rare bipartisan backing, managing to keep the lights on for a few more months.
In nearby Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's political troubles seem to have no end, as a key ally who was helping keep him in office said on Friday (Dec 20) he would bring down the liberal government and trigger an election in the country.
In Germany, a deadly car attack on a Christmas market on Friday (Dec 20) killed at least two, including a toddler while over 60 people were injured as a vehicle barrelled through revellers at high speed.
Click on the headlines for more
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-passes-stopgap-funding-bill-minus-trumps-debt-ceiling-president-elect-says-let-shutdown-begin-now-785691">US House passes stopgap funding bill minus Trump's debt ceiling; President-elect says let shutdown 'begin now'</a>
<img alt="main img" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/12/21/472356-new-wion-2024-12-21t060408317.jpg"/>
To keep the US government running, the House of Representatives passed a stopgap funding bill on Friday (Dec 20), narrowly avoiding a looming shutdown. With just hours left before federal operations were set to grind to a halt, the measure was passed with a rare bipartisan backing, managing to keep the lights on for a few more months.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-pm-justin-trudeau-on-brink-of-losing-power-as-key-ally-ndp-vows-to-launch-no-confidence-move-785706">Canada PM Justin Trudeau on brink of losing power as key ally NDP vows to launch no-confidence vote</a>
<img alt="main img" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/12/21/472364-new-wion-2024-12-21t081931457.jpg"/>

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's political troubles seem to have no end, as on Friday (Dec 20) a key ally who was helping keep him in office said he would bring down the liberal government and trigger an election in the country.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-christmas-market-attack-two-killed-60-injured-in-magdeburg-car-attack-police-arrest-saudi-man-785693">Germany Christmas market attack: Two Killed, 60 Injured in Magdeburg car attack; Police arrest Saudi man</a>
<img alt="main img" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/12/21/472357-new-wion-2024-12-21t063630250.jpg"/>

In Germany, a deadly car attack on a Christmas market on Friday (Dec 20) killed at least two, including a toddler while over 60 people were injured as a vehicle barrelled through revellers at high speed. German police have arrested a Saudi man for the attack in the state of Saxony-Anhalt.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fda-expands-weight-loss-drug-zepbound-approval-to-treat-sleep-apnea-785705">FDA expands weight loss drug Zepbound approval to treat sleep apnea</a>
<img alt="main img" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/12/21/472366-untitled-design-48.png"/>
The FDA has approved Eli Lilly’s obesity treatment, Zepbound, for the management of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in people with obesity. This marks the first time a medication has been approved to treat this condition
Russia-Ukraine War: Ukrainian Rockets Kill 7, Injure 8 In Kursk Region
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/12/21/2112_wion_guest_730am-1734754530-00000003.jpg&videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/2112_wion_guest_730am.mp4/index.m3u8&duration=314&tags=russia,Ukraine,russia ukraine war,Putin,war,Oreshnik" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Good morning! Start your day with WION's morning news brief.



New Delhi, India The US House of Representatives passed a stopgap funding bill on Friday (Dec 20), narrowly avoiding a looming government shutdown. With just hours left before federal operations were set to grind to a halt, the measure was passed with a rare bipartisan backing, managing to keep the lights on for a few more months. In nearby Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's political troubles seem to have no end, as a key ally who was helping keep him in office said on Friday (Dec 20) he would bring down the liberal government and trigger an election in the country. In Germany, a deadly car attack on a Christmas market on Friday (Dec 20) killed at least two, including a toddler while over 60 people were injured as a vehicle barrelled through revellers at high speed. Click on the headlines for more US House passes stopgap funding bill minus Trump's debt ceiling; President-elect says let shutdown 'begin now' To keep the US government running, the House of Representatives passed a stopgap funding bill on Friday (Dec 20), narrowly avoiding a looming shutdown. With just hours left before federal operations were set to grind to a halt, the measure was passed with a rare bipartisan backing, managing to keep the lights on for a few more months. Canada PM Justin Trudeau on brink of losing power as key ally NDP vows to launch no-confidence vote Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's political troubles seem to have no end, as on Friday (Dec 20) a key ally who was helping keep him in office said he would bring down the liberal government and trigger an election in the country. Germany Christmas market attack: Two Killed, 60 Injured in Magdeburg car attack; Police arrest Saudi man In Germany, a deadly car attack on a Christmas market on Friday (Dec 20) killed at least two, including a toddler while over 60 people were injured as a vehicle barrelled through revellers at high speed. German police have arrested a Saudi man for the attack in the state of Saxony-Anhalt. FDA expands weight loss drug Zepbound approval to treat sleep apnea The FDA has approved Eli Lilly’s obesity treatment, Zepbound, for the management of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in people with obesity. This marks the first time a medication has been approved to treat this condition Russia-Ukraine War: Ukrainian Rockets Kill 7, Injure 8 In Kursk Region

The US Congress approved a deal Wednesday to avoid a government shutdown after lawmakers sent a stop-gap funding deal to President Joe Biden's desk that will keep the lights on through the US election.

The agreement -- passed with cross-party support in both chambers -- came ahead of a September 30 deadline to either approve a new government budget or begin shutting down federal agencies just five weeks ahead of Election Day.

The measure, which needed huge Democratic support in the Republican-led House of Representatives to overcome a rebellion by several dozen conservatives, keeps the government operational at current spending levels until December 20.

It was rubber-stamped by the Democratic-controlled Senate within hours, as lawmakers keen to get back to their districts to campaign for the November 5 election ratcheted up the usual glacial pace of legislating.

"Americans can breathe easy that, because both sides have chosen bipartisanship, Congress is getting the job done," Chuck Schumer, the leader of the Democratic-controlled Senate, said in a statement.

"We will keep the government open. We will prevent vital government services from needlessly coming to a halt," Schumer said.

Although there was less of the drama that usually attends funding fights, a shutdown did at one stage look like a distinct possibility, worrying Republicans in the House as they seek reelection on November 5.

The stop-gap "continuing resolution" was required because neither chamber had been able to agree on the various departmental budgets for the full 2025 fiscal year, starting October 1.&nbsp;

Last week, hard-liners pushed for a bill that would have extended funding through March next year, paired with the SAVE Act, which would add proof-of-citizenship requirements to voter registration.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, who dominates the House group and continues to claim falsely that he was cheated by voter fraud in the 2020 election, has been lobbying for House Speaker Mike Johnson to add the election measure.

But the plan was dropped as it became clear that it did not have enough support from Republicans -- many of whom are against temporary funding bills as a matter of principle -- and could not rely on Democratic votes.

The White House -- worried about eligible voters being blocked from voter rolls or otherwise deterred -- opposed the SAVE Act, noting that noncitizen voting is already illegal and that it almost never happens.

Trump urged House Republicans to shut down the government over the issue. But they rebuffed the former president in a rare move, and opted to pass the new non-partisan version of the bill that dispensed with the SAVE Act.

As part of the package, Congress approved more than $230 million for the Secret Service to increase protection for Trump -- who has faced two assassination bids -- and other candidates on the campaign trail. &nbsp;&nbsp;

It was the final legislative action for the 500-plus lawmakers before the election. Most members of both chambers now head back to their home states to campaign and are not expected back in Washington until after the election.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The US Congress approved a deal Wednesday to avoid a government shutdown after lawmakers sent a stop-gap funding deal to President Joe Biden's desk that will keep the lights on through the US election.

The US Congress approved a deal Wednesday to avoid a government shutdown after lawmakers sent a stop-gap funding deal to President Joe Biden's desk that will keep the lights on through the US election. The agreement -- passed with cross-party support in both chambers -- came ahead of a September 30 deadline to either approve a new government budget or begin shutting down federal agencies just five weeks ahead of Election Day. The measure, which needed huge Democratic support in the Republican-led House of Representatives to overcome a rebellion by several dozen conservatives, keeps the government operational at current spending levels until December 20. It was rubber-stamped by the Democratic-controlled Senate within hours, as lawmakers keen to get back to their districts to campaign for the November 5 election ratcheted up the usual glacial pace of legislating. "Americans can breathe easy that, because both sides have chosen bipartisanship, Congress is getting the job done," Chuck Schumer, the leader of the Democratic-controlled Senate, said in a statement. "We will keep the government open. We will prevent vital government services from needlessly coming to a halt," Schumer said. Although there was less of the drama that usually attends funding fights, a shutdown did at one stage look like a distinct possibility, worrying Republicans in the House as they seek reelection on November 5. The stop-gap "continuing resolution" was required because neither chamber had been able to agree on the various departmental budgets for the full 2025 fiscal year, starting October 1. Last week, hard-liners pushed for a bill that would have extended funding through March next year, paired with the SAVE Act, which would add proof-of-citizenship requirements to voter registration. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, who dominates the House group and continues to claim falsely that he was cheated by voter fraud in the 2020 election, has been lobbying for House Speaker Mike Johnson to add the election measure. But the plan was dropped as it became clear that it did not have enough support from Republicans -- many of whom are against temporary funding bills as a matter of principle -- and could not rely on Democratic votes. The White House -- worried about eligible voters being blocked from voter rolls or otherwise deterred -- opposed the SAVE Act, noting that noncitizen voting is already illegal and that it almost never happens. Trump urged House Republicans to shut down the government over the issue. But they rebuffed the former president in a rare move, and opted to pass the new non-partisan version of the bill that dispensed with the SAVE Act. As part of the package, Congress approved more than $230 million for the Secret Service to increase protection for Trump -- who has faced two assassination bids -- and other candidates on the campaign trail. It was the final legislative action for the 500-plus lawmakers before the election. Most members of both chambers now head back to their home states to campaign and are not expected back in Washington until after the election. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

US Congress approves stop-gap funding deal to avoid government shutdown

US lawmakers on Wednesday (Sep 18) rejected a Republican-backed government funding proposal that would've kept the government running past November's presidential elections.

The bill which was aimed at preventing a government shutdown with a six-month extension of funding, was voted down 220-202 with some Republicans joining Democrats in opposing the measure, as reported.

The Republican plan included the SAVE Act, a controversial measure backed by former President Donald Trump. The act would require proof of citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections, a proposal opposed by the Biden administration, which argues that non citizen voting is already illegal and rare.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:181,&quot;w&quot;:626,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2018}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-abstains-on-unga-resolution-demanding-israel-leave-palestinian-territory-in-a-year-759915">India abstains on UNGA resolution demanding Israel leave Palestinian territory in a year</a>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:217,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2054}">Trump calls for forced shutdown</h2>

This comes as former US President Donald Trump has called for a forced shutdown unless certain demands are met.

Ahead of the vote, taking to X, the Republican Party presidential candidate rallied fellow Republicans and said: "If Republicans don't get the SAVE Act, and every ounce of it, they should not agree to a Continuing Resolution in any way, shape, or form".

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:378,&quot;w&quot;:604,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2215}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-files-usd-100-mn-lawsuit-against-owner-of-ship-that-destroyed-baltimores-key-bridge-759921">US files $100 mn lawsuit against owner of ship that destroyed Baltimore's key bridge</a>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:414,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2251}">When does the government funding end?</h2>

As per AFP, the government funding is due to expire at the end of September, and with this proposed extension, the deadline shutdown would have been pushed back to March 2025 — when the next US president would've been in the White House.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:530,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2367}">What does a shutdown mean?</h2>

A government shutdown in this scenario means the closure of federal services and the furlough of millions of federal workers.&nbsp;

If no agreement is reached, a government shutdown could occur just weeks before the November presidential election.&nbsp;

After the vote, in a statement, House Appropriations Committee ranking member Rosa DeLauro said: "Once again, the House Republican majority has failed at its most basic tasks."

"We have seven legislative days to keep the government open," DeLauro added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

US lawmakers on Wednesday (Sep 18) rejected a Republican-backed government funding proposal that would've kept the government running past November's presidential elections.

US lawmakers on Wednesday (Sep 18) rejected a Republican-backed government funding proposal that would've kept the government running past November's presidential elections. The bill which was aimed at preventing a government shutdown with a six-month extension of funding, was voted down 220-202 with some Republicans joining Democrats in opposing the measure, as reported. The Republican plan included the SAVE Act, a controversial measure backed by former President Donald Trump. The act would require proof of citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections, a proposal opposed by the Biden administration, which argues that non citizen voting is already illegal and rare. Also read | India abstains on UNGA resolution demanding Israel leave Palestinian territory in a year Trump calls for forced shutdown This comes as former US President Donald Trump has called for a forced shutdown unless certain demands are met. Ahead of the vote, taking to X, the Republican Party presidential candidate rallied fellow Republicans and said: "If Republicans don't get the SAVE Act, and every ounce of it, they should not agree to a Continuing Resolution in any way, shape, or form". Also read | US files $100 mn lawsuit against owner of ship that destroyed Baltimore's key bridge When does the government funding end? As per AFP, the government funding is due to expire at the end of September, and with this proposed extension, the deadline shutdown would have been pushed back to March 2025 — when the next US president would've been in the White House. What does a shutdown mean? A government shutdown in this scenario means the closure of federal services and the furlough of millions of federal workers. If no agreement is reached, a government shutdown could occur just weeks before the November presidential election. After the vote, in a statement, House Appropriations Committee ranking member Rosa DeLauro said: "Once again, the House Republican majority has failed at its most basic tasks." "We have seven legislative days to keep the government open," DeLauro added. (With inputs from agencies)

US government shutdown eminent? Lawmakers reject key six-month funding extension

It's a race against time for the Democrats in the US Senate as they need to pass a $1.2 trillion- funding bill before 400 am GMT or 9:30 am Indian Standard Time today. Earlier the Republican held US House of Representatives passed the bill 286 against 134.

US: Funding bill seeks senate nod

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