What's happened
US Congress has approved short-term spending measures to prevent a government shutdown, funding federal agencies through March 8 and March 22. House Speaker Mike Johnson led the passing of a stopgap spending bill, averting a shutdown and prompting pro-Trump Republican backlash.
Why it matters
The passing of short-term funding measures by the US Congress is crucial in preventing a government shutdown and ensuring the continued operation of federal agencies. The bipartisan cooperation demonstrated in passing the bill highlights the importance of compromise in maintaining government functions.
What the papers say
The passing of the stopgap funding bill was met with mixed reactions. The Independent focused on the anger from pro-Trump Republicans towards House Speaker Mike Johnson, while Al Jazeera highlighted the bipartisan nature of the Senate's vote to prevent a government shutdown.
How we got here
The US Congress has faced challenges in passing full-year spending bills, leading to the need for short-term funding measures to avert government shutdowns. House Speaker Mike Johnson has been navigating a divided Congress to reach agreements on funding bills and prevent disruptions to federal operations.
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