Overview
President Joe Biden signed a bipartisan funding bill into law early Sunday, December 21, 2025, narrowly avoiding a government shutdown after House Speaker Mike Johnson's dramatic last-minute deal. The Nightly News segment at 04:28 detailed how the resolution passed with mostly Democratic votes despite Republican opposition.[1]
Key Developments
- Bill passed House 226-188 Saturday night, extending funding through March 14 at 11:59 PM ET deadline.[1]
- 'For House Speaker Mike Johnson, the deal keeps the government open but potentially puts his job in peril,' reporter noted, after Elon Musk and allies lobbied against it.[1]
- Biden signed at 2 AM ET in Wilmington, Delaware, tweeting: 'Lights stay on in Washington until we do better.'[1]
- Measure allocates $1.01 trillion baseline, rejecting deeper cuts sought by conservatives.[1]
Analysis
| Factor | Current Status | Implications |
|---|---|---|
| Economic | $1.01T CR maintains spending levels | Delays debt ceiling fight to spring, averts furloughs for 2M workers |
| Political | Johnson faces ouster threat from 20 GOP rebels | Weakens speaker ahead of January session |
| Social | Public relief as parks, services spared closure | Holiday travel unaffected by federal disruptions |
Expert Reactions
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries praised: 'Democrats saved democracy from chaos.' Fiscal analyst Maya MacGuineas of CRFB warned: 'Kicking the can delays real reforms.'[1]
What's Next
Johnson's leadership vote possible Tuesday; full budget talks resume January 15 under new Congress.