Congressional leaders have introduced a stopgap spending bill to keep the federal government funded until March 14 and provide over $100 billion in emergency aid for hurricane relief. The bill aims to prevent a government shutdown, pushing final spending decisions to the new Congress under President-elect Donald Trump. This is the second short-term funding measure taken up by lawmakers after they missed the October 1 deadline for annual appropriations bills.
The measure includes $100.4 billion for disaster relief, $10 billion for struggling farmers, and economic assistance. The House Speaker, Mike Johnson, stated that additional farm aid may be provided in the next Congress. The bill has received support from Rep. Glenn Thompson, who chairs the House Agriculture Committee, calling it a good start.
President Joe Biden had requested about $114 billion in disaster aid, prioritizing funding for FEMA, farmers, highways, bridges, and communities affected by natural disasters. Aid will also be given for low-interest loans to aid in rebuilding efforts. Lawmakers expect to pass the bill just before another shutdown deadline, with provisions for telehealth coverage, pharmacy benefit managers’ regulations, and countering China’s high-tech ambitions.
The legislation also includes provisions for transferring the old RFK Stadium site to the District of Columbia, potential funding for a new stadium for the Washington Commanders, and federal funding to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. This bridge collapsed after a cargo ship crashed into it, with federal taxpayers to be reimbursed through insurance payments and litigation.
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