In a last-minute effort to prevent a partial government shutdown, the House passed a funding bill late Friday, just hours before the midnight deadline. The legislation extends current funding levels through mid-March and includes over $100 billion in disaster relief for storm victims and agricultural aid.

Speaker Mike Johnson expressed optimism after intense negotiations, securing enough support by bypassing regular procedures to expedite the vote. While the bill required bipartisan backing to meet the elevated two-thirds threshold, it passed amid lingering tensions within the Republican Party.

President Trump, who previously opposed earlier versions of the funding plan, remained silent on this latest iteration, a move many Republicans saw as a signal of approval. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, who supported the resolution, highlighted its importance in preparing for the incoming administration. “This funding measure allows Congress to immediately get to work confirming President Trump’s nominees and implementing the policies Texans and Americans overwhelmingly voted for,” Cruz stated.

Cruz also secured a provision in the bill aimed at assisting South Texas agricultural producers impacted by Mexico’s failure to meet water-sharing obligations under a 1944 treaty. “This funding will provide immediate relief for hardworking Texans,” Cruz noted.

With the clock ticking down, lawmakers emphasized the urgency of passing the bill to ensure continued government operations, disaster aid, and timely pay for federal workers over the holidays.