Trump Signs Continuing Appropriations Act to Avoid Government Shutdown
President Donald Trump has officially enacted H.R. 1968, known as the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025. The legislation passed both chambers of Congress with considerable support, effectively averting a potential government shutdown.
Act’s Provisions and Support
The approved continuing resolution (CR) ensures that the government will maintain operations through the end of September 2025. The bill garnered backing from a significant majority of Senate Republicans, with only Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky voting against it. Notably, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer from New York faced criticism from fellow Democrats after announcing his support for the measure.
President Donald Trump signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., on January 20, 2025. (JIM WATSON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Bipartisan Support
A total of ten Democrats joined Republicans in supporting the CR to prevent a shutdown. Among those Democrats were Schumer, Senate Minority Whip Dick Durban, and Senators Angus King, Brian Schatz, Catherine Cortez Masto, John Fetterman, Gary Peters, Maggie Hassan, Kirsten Gillibrand, and Jeanne Shaheen.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., comments after a policy luncheon on Capitol Hill, September 24, 2024, in Washington, D.C. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib, File)
Criticism from Within the Democratic Party
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi voiced her disapproval of the legislation prior to the Senate vote, urging Democratic senators to consider alternatives that would better address funding issues. She referenced Representatives Rosa DeLauro and Patty Murray, both of whom opposed the bill, stating, “Appropriations leaders Rosa DeLauro and Patty Murray have eloquently presented the case that we must have a better choice: a four-week funding extension to keep government open and negotiate a bipartisan agreement.” Pelosi’s anxiety about a repeat of the previous “Trump shutdown” added to her critique of the bill’s contents.
President Donald Trump speaks to reporters before boarding Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, March 14, 2025. (REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque)
Trump’s Reaction
Reacting to the Senate’s decision, Trump expressed his approval during a press briefing at Joint Base Andrews, saying he was “very impressed” with the successful passage of the continuing resolution.
For further updates on this developing story, stay tuned to our coverage.
