In order to give politicians time to negotiate a broader agreement, the US Senate on Thursday approved a stopgap spending bill that, once it is signed into law, will avert a complete government shutdown.

The Senate's 71-19 vote to extend the deadline for passing a funding measure until December 23 comes as negotiators continue to work on their omnibus spending package, which is expected to cost $1.7 trillion. Congress had until midnight Friday to enact a funding bill to avert a shutdown.

The stopgap spending package was adopted by the House of Representatives on Wednesday night, and it is now on US President Joe Biden's desk awaiting his signature.

Republicans in the House had hoped to wait until after they take over the house in January in order to have a bigger role in the spending legislation. They had rejected attempts to draft the broader package before then.

Given their victory in the midterm elections on November 8, Kevin McCarthy called for Congress to enact a longer-term funding plan that would finance the government at current levels until the end of the year.

McCarthy wrote on his Twitter "The last-minute spending 'deal' was made by people who are on their way out the door. House Republicans won't support wasting your tax dollars on another massive spending blowout."

The last-minute spending "deal" was made by people who are on their way out the door.

House Republicans won't support wasting your tax dollars on another massive spending blowout. pic.twitter.com/HmRIHvInlw

— Kevin McCarthy (@GOPLeader) December 14, 2022

McCarthy told reporters on Capitol hill that "a month ago, the American people voted for a new direction in Washington. It was their will that the current business-as-usual approach needs to stop," adding that "the Democrats have been in power. They've had the House, the Senate, and the presidency. They did not do their work, but they should not jam us now."

Bidenflation is draining savings accounts across the country. On January 3rd, House Republicans will:

➡️ Put an end to wasteful government spending
➡️ Create good-paying jobs
➡️ Strengthen the Supply Chain#CommitmentToAmerica

— Rep. Tony Gonzales (@RepTonyGonzales) December 15, 2022

There has been agreement on a "framework" funding deal for the whole fiscal year, according to the announcement made by House and Senate negotiators on Tuesday night. However, the finer details remained up for discussion. They said the deal may be completed the following week.

In contrast to McCarthy, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has backed the omnibus bill, calling it preferable to other alternatives.

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