Was a lockdown avoided? The US Congress and Senate reach an agreement on the budget dispute

Nearly two weeks before another deadline expires, divided party leaders in the US Congress have reached a basic agreement on the budget dispute. Republican leader in the House of Representatives, Mike JohnsonLeader of the Democratic Majority in the US Senate, Chuck Schumerit was agreed on Sunday on the upper limit for $1,590 billion (1,455.91 billion euros) for the current fiscal year. This now allows the Committee's consultations to begin.

In a letter to MPs, Johnson confirmed that significant spending cuts had been achieved compared to previous planning. In particular, emergency spending was suspended, “which could save taxpayers $200 billion over the next 10 years.” “The result means real savings for American taxpayers and real reductions in federal bureaucracy,” Johnson said.

➤ Read more: Averting a shutdown: US Senate votes on interim budget

It was specific Maximum of two values Agreed, that is $886 billion For defense spending and $704 billion For all remaining federal spending. The exact distribution must now be determined by the responsible committees in the House and Senate. What was left out were the additional political demands or “poison pills” that opposition republicans were using to change government policy – ​​for example in the region Immigration -You want power.

Therefore, reaching an actual agreement on the budget conflict remains in doubt. Schumer and his Democratic colleague in the House of Representatives confirmed this Hakeem Jeffries, And that the ruling party will not agree to any “poison pills.” This was made clear to Johnson and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell during negotiations.

In mid-November, the two houses of Parliament had already reached a preliminary agreement, but this only delayed the solution for two months. There is No decision by January 19The United States is threatened with a government shutdown close), because further government spending is not possible.