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&nbsp;senators on Thursday introduced two separate bipartisan artificial intelligence bills on Thursday amid growing interest in addressing issues surrounding the technology.

One would require the US&nbsp;government to be transparent when using AI to interact with people, and another would establish an office to determine if the United States is remaining competitive in the latest technologies.

Lawmakers are beginning to consider what new rules might be needed because of the rise of AI. The technology made headlines earlier this year when ChatGPT, an AI programme that can answer questions in written form, became generally available.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-trump-kiss-fauci-ron-desantis-ups-the-ante-with-ai-generated-fake-images-of-two-men-602375">Did Trump kiss Fauci? Ron DeSantis ups the ante with AI-generated fake images of two men</a>

Senators Gary Peters, a Democrat who chairs the Homeland Security Committee, introduced a bill along with Senators Mike Braun and James Lankford, both Republicans, which would require U.S. government agencies to tell people when they are&nbsp;using AI to interact with them.

The bill also requires agencies to create a way for people to appeal any decisions made by AI.

"The federal government needs to be proactive and transparent with AI utilization and ensure that decisions aren't being made without humans in the driver's seat," said Braun in a statement.

Senators Michael Bennet and Mark Warner, both Democrats, introduced a measure along with Republican Senator Todd Young that would establish an Office of Global Competition Analysis that would seek to ensure that the United States stayed in the front of the pack in developing artificial intelligence.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-ai-creates-images-of-world-leaders-as-toddlers-600932" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-ai-creates-images-of-world-leaders-as-toddlers-600932&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjilrOXmbX_AhVfumMGHQRzDssQFnoECAUQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw2NtfYepZ4k1yjvVYDi8VCy" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-ai-creates-images-of-world-leaders-as-toddlers-600932" target="_blank">In&nbsp;Pics&nbsp;|&nbsp;AI&nbsp;creates&nbsp;images&nbsp;of world leaders as toddlers</a>

"We cannot afford to lose our competitive edge in strategic technologies like semiconductors, quantum computing, and artificial intelligence to competitors like China," Bennet said.

Earlier this week, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he had scheduled three briefings for senators on artificial intelligence, including the first classified briefing on the topic so lawmakers can be educated on the issue.

The briefings include a general overview on&nbsp;AI, examining how to achieve American leadership on AI and a classified session on defence and intelligence issues and implications.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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US senators on Thursday introduced two separate bipartisan artificial intelligence bills on Thursday amid growing interest in addressing issues surrounding the technology.

US senators on Thursday introduced two separate bipartisan artificial intelligence bills on Thursday amid growing interest in addressing issues surrounding the technology. One would require the US government to be transparent when using AI to interact with people, and another would establish an office to determine if the United States is remaining competitive in the latest technologies. Lawmakers are beginning to consider what new rules might be needed because of the rise of AI. The technology made headlines earlier this year when ChatGPT, an AI programme that can answer questions in written form, became generally available. Also read | Did Trump kiss Fauci? Ron DeSantis ups the ante with AI-generated fake images of two men Senators Gary Peters, a Democrat who chairs the Homeland Security Committee, introduced a bill along with Senators Mike Braun and James Lankford, both Republicans, which would require U.S. government agencies to tell people when they are using AI to interact with them. The bill also requires agencies to create a way for people to appeal any decisions made by AI. "The federal government needs to be proactive and transparent with AI utilization and ensure that decisions aren't being made without humans in the driver's seat," said Braun in a statement. Senators Michael Bennet and Mark Warner, both Democrats, introduced a measure along with Republican Senator Todd Young that would establish an Office of Global Competition Analysis that would seek to ensure that the United States stayed in the front of the pack in developing artificial intelligence. Also read | In Pics | AI creates images of world leaders as toddlers "We cannot afford to lose our competitive edge in strategic technologies like semiconductors, quantum computing, and artificial intelligence to competitors like China," Bennet said. Earlier this week, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he had scheduled three briefings for senators on artificial intelligence, including the first classified briefing on the topic so lawmakers can be educated on the issue. The briefings include a general overview on AI, examining how to achieve American leadership on AI and a classified session on defence and intelligence issues and implications. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US Congress to consider two new bills on artificial intelligence

China has been lobbying US businessmen, executives and companies to fight against China-specific bills in the US Congress.

The report by news agency Reuters, which has quoted sources, said the Chinese officials have warned companies that they would risk losing market share or revenue in China if the legislation becomes law.

The Chinese embassy in Washington has been pressing executives to urge members of Congress to alter or drop specific bills that seek to enhance US competitiveness, according to the Reuters report which claimed to have access to a letter of the embassy’s economic and commercial office.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/defying-china-us-announces-24-billion-sale-of-coastal-defense-systems-to-taiwan-338183">Defying China, US announces $2.4 billion sale of coastal defense systems to Taiwan</a>

The United States has been wary of China’s dominance in its markets, especially in the field of technology research, semiconductor development and manufacturing.

The US has been working hard to break away the supply chain from China by asking the American companies to shift their manufacturing base to the US.

Earlier this year, a US House of Representatives committee advanced legislation intended to boost competitiveness with China.

It authorises roughly $250 billion in funding for technology research, semiconductor development and manufacturing, as well as subsidies for robot makers and chipmakers amid a shortage of computer chips worldwide.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/chinese-spy-agency-playing-active-role-to-destabilise-nepals-relations-with-other-nations-report-428958">Chinese spy agency playing active role to destabilise Nepal’s relations with other nations: Report</a>

Many US lawmakers said the package is one of the largest industrial bills in US history and the biggest investment in scientific research that the country has seen in decades.

The bill includes a number of China-specific provisions, including the prohibition of the social media app TikTok from being downloaded on government devices.

The purchase of drones manufactured and sold by Chinese state enterprises would also be blocked under the legislation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-media-outlets-received-millions-of-dollars-from-china-to-sell-its-propaganda-report-396678">US media outlets received millions of dollars from China to sell its propaganda: Report</a>

Chinese organisations engaged in US cyber-attacks or theft of US intellectual property from US firms would face sanctions too, once the bill is passed.

Apart from trade issues, the tensions between the White House and Beijing also span over human rights concerns, national security, and the deplorable conditions of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjian province.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, the US intelligence community named China as the top national security threat.

China's military actions in the South China Sea have led the US to focus on partners and allies in the Indo-Pacific region, including a White House summit in September with the other leaders of the Quad&nbsp;countries: Japan, Australia and India.

(With inputs from agencies)

China has been lobbying US businessmen, executives and companies to fight against China-specific bills in the US Congress. The report by news agency Reuters, which has quoted sources, said the Chinese officials have warned companies that they would risk losing market share or revenue in China if the legislation becomes law.

China has been lobbying US businessmen, executives and companies to fight against China-specific bills in the US Congress. The report by news agency Reuters, which has quoted sources, said the Chinese officials have warned companies that they would risk losing market share or revenue in China if the legislation becomes law. The Chinese embassy in Washington has been pressing executives to urge members of Congress to alter or drop specific bills that seek to enhance US competitiveness, according to the Reuters report which claimed to have access to a letter of the embassy’s economic and commercial office. Also read | Defying China, US announces $2.4 billion sale of coastal defense systems to Taiwan The United States has been wary of China’s dominance in its markets, especially in the field of technology research, semiconductor development and manufacturing. The US has been working hard to break away the supply chain from China by asking the American companies to shift their manufacturing base to the US. Earlier this year, a US House of Representatives committee advanced legislation intended to boost competitiveness with China. It authorises roughly $250 billion in funding for technology research, semiconductor development and manufacturing, as well as subsidies for robot makers and chipmakers amid a shortage of computer chips worldwide. Also read | Chinese spy agency playing active role to destabilise Nepal’s relations with other nations: Report Many US lawmakers said the package is one of the largest industrial bills in US history and the biggest investment in scientific research that the country has seen in decades. The bill includes a number of China-specific provisions, including the prohibition of the social media app TikTok from being downloaded on government devices. The purchase of drones manufactured and sold by Chinese state enterprises would also be blocked under the legislation. Also read | US media outlets received millions of dollars from China to sell its propaganda: Report Chinese organisations engaged in US cyber-attacks or theft of US intellectual property from US firms would face sanctions too, once the bill is passed. Apart from trade issues, the tensions between the White House and Beijing also span over human rights concerns, national security, and the deplorable conditions of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjian province. Earlier this year, the US intelligence community named China as the top national security threat. China's military actions in the South China Sea have led the US to focus on partners and allies in the Indo-Pacific region, including a White House summit in September with the other leaders of the Quad countries: Japan, Australia and India. (With inputs from agencies)

China urging US businessmen to lobby against anti-China bills: Report

Senate Democrats on Tuesday will propose a pared-down voting rights bill that has the backing of both progressives and centrists in an effort to present a united front against deep Republican resistance to new legislation setting nationwide election standards.

<article>
The measure is the result of weeks of intraparty negotiations overseen by Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-NY, the majority leader, and was built on principles put forward by Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, the lone Democratic holdout against an earlier, much more sweeping piece of legislation called the For the People Act. Still, like that measure, it faces steep odds in the Senate, where it is unlikely to persuade Republicans to drop their opposition to legislation they have argued is an egregious overreach and an existential threat to their party.

The new bill, called the Freedom to Vote Act, drops some contentious elements of that initial bill such as restructuring the Federal Election Commission. It focuses heavily on guaranteeing access to the ballot following new voting restrictions being enacted around the country by Republican legislatures since the 2020 election. And it would set a national voter identification standard — something that many Democrats have vehemently opposed — but one that would be far less onerous than some states have attempted to impose, allowing voters to meet the requirement with a variety of identification cards and documents in paper and digital form.

The revised measure would also require that states allow at minimum 15 consecutive days of early voting, including two weekends; ensure that all voters can request to vote by mail; establish new automatic voter registration programs, and make Election Day a national holiday. The legislation would mandate that states follow specific criteria when drawing new congressional districting lines and would force disclosure of donors to so-called dark money groups.

“Following the 2020 elections in which more Americans voted than ever before, we have seen unprecedented attacks on our democracy in states across the country,” said Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., who leads the Rules Committee, which is responsible for election oversight. “These attacks demand an immediate federal response.”

Manchin had balked at the original legislation and offered elements of a voting bill he would back, prompting the negotiations between him, Klobuchar and fellow Democratic Sens. Jeff Merkley of Oregon, Tim Kaine of Virginia, Jon Tester of Montana, Alex Padilla of California and Raphael Warnock of Georgia. Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, also participated.

While Democrats cheered the agreement, they also recognized that they were unlikely to attract sufficient Republican support to break a filibuster against any voting bill, meaning that they would have to unite to force a change to Senate rules governing the filibuster if the legislation was to have any chance of passage. Republicans have already blocked debate on a voting rights measure twice before.

“We must be honest about the facts,” Schumer said Monday as he said he would try to break the impasse again next week. “The Republican-led war on democracy has only worsened in the last few weeks.”

Despite his support for the legislation, Manchin has reiterated multiple times his refusal to abolish the filibuster, although he has also indicated a willingness to entertain some changes. Schumer noted Monday that Manchin had been reaching out to Republicans to persuade them to back the new version of the voting rights bill.

Democrats hope continuing Republican opposition to a measure Manchin is now invested in as one of the chief authors will soften his opposition to weakening the filibuster, allowing his party to advance a measure they see as crucial to countering new voting restrictions in Republican-led states.

Manchin did not mention the filibuster in a statement strongly endorsing the new proposal.

“The right to vote is fundamental to our democracy and the Freedom to Vote Act is a step in the right direction towards protecting that right for every American,” Manchin said. “As elected officials, we also have an obligation to restore peoples’ faith in our democracy, and I believe that the common sense provisions in this bill — like flexible voter ID requirements — will do just that.”
</article>

Senate Democrats on Tuesday will propose a pared-down voting rights bill that has the backing of both progressives and centrists in an effort to present a united front against deep Republican resistance to new legislation setting nationwide election standards.

Senate Democrats on Tuesday will propose a pared-down voting rights bill that has the backing of both progressives and centrists in an effort to present a united front against deep Republican resistance to new legislation setting nationwide election standards. The measure is the result of weeks of intraparty negotiations overseen by Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-NY, the majority leader, and was built on principles put forward by Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, the lone Democratic holdout against an earlier, much more sweeping piece of legislation called the For the People Act. Still, like that measure, it faces steep odds in the Senate, where it is unlikely to persuade Republicans to drop their opposition to legislation they have argued is an egregious overreach and an existential threat to their party. The new bill, called the Freedom to Vote Act, drops some contentious elements of that initial bill such as restructuring the Federal Election Commission. It focuses heavily on guaranteeing access to the ballot following new voting restrictions being enacted around the country by Republican legislatures since the 2020 election. And it would set a national voter identification standard — something that many Democrats have vehemently opposed — but one that would be far less onerous than some states have attempted to impose, allowing voters to meet the requirement with a variety of identification cards and documents in paper and digital form. The revised measure would also require that states allow at minimum 15 consecutive days of early voting, including two weekends; ensure that all voters can request to vote by mail; establish new automatic voter registration programs, and make Election Day a national holiday. The legislation would mandate that states follow specific criteria when drawing new congressional districting lines and would force disclosure of donors to so-called dark money groups. “Following the 2020 elections in which more Americans voted than ever before, we have seen unprecedented attacks on our democracy in states across the country,” said Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., who leads the Rules Committee, which is responsible for election oversight. “These attacks demand an immediate federal response.” Manchin had balked at the original legislation and offered elements of a voting bill he would back, prompting the negotiations between him, Klobuchar and fellow Democratic Sens. Jeff Merkley of Oregon, Tim Kaine of Virginia, Jon Tester of Montana, Alex Padilla of California and Raphael Warnock of Georgia. Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, also participated. While Democrats cheered the agreement, they also recognized that they were unlikely to attract sufficient Republican support to break a filibuster against any voting bill, meaning that they would have to unite to force a change to Senate rules governing the filibuster if the legislation was to have any chance of passage. Republicans have already blocked debate on a voting rights measure twice before. “We must be honest about the facts,” Schumer said Monday as he said he would try to break the impasse again next week. “The Republican-led war on democracy has only worsened in the last few weeks.” Despite his support for the legislation, Manchin has reiterated multiple times his refusal to abolish the filibuster, although he has also indicated a willingness to entertain some changes. Schumer noted Monday that Manchin had been reaching out to Republicans to persuade them to back the new version of the voting rights bill. Democrats hope continuing Republican opposition to a measure Manchin is now invested in as one of the chief authors will soften his opposition to weakening the filibuster, allowing his party to advance a measure they see as crucial to countering new voting restrictions in Republican-led states. Manchin did not mention the filibuster in a statement strongly endorsing the new proposal. “The right to vote is fundamental to our democracy and the Freedom to Vote Act is a step in the right direction towards protecting that right for every American,” Manchin said. “As elected officials, we also have an obligation to restore peoples’ faith in our democracy, and I believe that the common sense provisions in this bill — like flexible voter ID requirements — will do just that.”

Democrats to propose compromise voting rights bill

The U.S. Congress on Monday passed a bill that is expected to upgrade U.S. support for Tibetans in key areas, including sanctioning Chinese officials if they try to appoint the next Dalai Lama.

U.S. congress passes landmark bill in support of Tibet

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

US Congress to consider two new bills on artificial intelligence

China urging US businessmen to lobby against anti-China bills: Report

Democrats to propose compromise voting rights bill

U.S. congress passes landmark bill in support of Tibet