A day before the deadline, the US Congress managed to avoid a government shutdown. The Senate approved a proposal to continue funding the federal government until at least February 18. The House of Representatives had already approved the proposal earlier in the day.

In October, the House approved an increase in the debt ceiling through December 3. Without an extension, he threatened to shut down. The US government is getting close to determining the total amount it can borrow. If the ceiling is not raised in time, the state will not be able to fulfill all its financial obligations. Then some government departments have to close.

keep calm

Republican leaders had called on their party’s members of the House of Representatives to vote against the measure. In the end, a majority of 221 deputies voted in favour. In the Senate, the proposal had the support of 69 senators. “I’m glad those who kept their cool made the difference,” said Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer.

The US government has had to deal with more shutdowns in recent years. The latter lasted 35 days, from December 22, 2018 to January 25, 2019, making it the longest in US history.