Joe Biden signs Stopgap Bill to avert shutdown, boost secret service funding

This temporary measure not only ensures that essential services remain operational but also allocates an additional $231 million to the Secret Service.

In a move to prevent an imminent government shutdown, US President Joe Biden has signed a three-month stopgap funding bill, allowing federal agencies to continue operating while deferring deeper discussions on government spending until after the November elections. The legislation, known as a continuing resolution (CR), extends government funding through December 20, according to a report from The Associated Press.

This temporary measure not only ensures that essential services remain operational but also allocates an additional $231 million to the Secret Service. This funding is aimed at enhancing protective operations, particularly in light of two recent assassination attempts against former President Donald Trump, which have raised concerns about security as the nation gears up for the 2024 presidential campaign.

"The passage of this bill gives Congress more time to pass full-year funding bills by the end of this year," Biden remarked on September 26, stressing the importance of collaborative efforts in Congress. He added, “My administration will work with Congress to ensure these bills deliver for America’s national defense, veterans, seniors, children, and working families, while also addressing urgent needs for communities recovering from disasters.”

The swift approval of the bill followed the House's passage at noon, with the Senate taking immediate action to adopt it just two hours later. The Upper Chamber passed the measure in a decisive bipartisan vote of 78 to 18, reflecting a united front amid ongoing budgetary challenges.