WASHINGTON, D.C. — Lawmakers have cleared the last hurdle on Capitol Hill needed to keep the government open past the November midterm elections.
The House voted Tuesday to extend federal funding through Dec. 11, giving lawmakers more time to reach a deal on a long-term spending plan. The Senate approved the measure before leaving Washington for the August recess.
The bill now goes to President Donald Trump, who is expected to sign it.
The stopgap measure pushes the next major funding deadline into December and takes a potential shutdown off the table, at least until after the midterms.
Political analysts say both parties have reason to avoid another prolonged funding fight.
“Another one would be a real severe blow probably to both sides. You never really know who for sure is going to get the blame. Often it’s the president’s party, but neither side really wants to risk it,” said Dr. Todd Belt, professor and director of the Political Management Masters Program at George Washington University.
With the immediate shutdown threat out of the way for now, lawmakers can turn their attention to the issues they’ll take to voters this fall. However, it is difficult for either party to secure legislative wins in the heat of election season.
