Biden signs key government funding bills into law averting shutdown

President Joe Biden signed a package of six government funding bills into law. The spending bills were supported by top Democrats and Republicans in both chambers and mark a breakthrough after months of using stopgap bills to avert shutdowns. Lawmakers still need to finalize and pass a second slate of funding bills ahead of a March 22 deadline. The package includes funding for various departments and programs, such as agriculture, justice, veterans affairs, transportation, and energy. It will also support initiatives in air traffic control, rail safety, veterans’ healthcare, and research programs. Republicans have highlighted spending cuts and conservative policy riders in the legislation.