Trump signs spending bill, averting government shutdown

ISTANBUL

US President Donald Trump on Saturday signed a spending bill to fund the government through Sept. 30, avoiding a partial shutdown.

Harrison Fields, White House principal deputy press secretary, confirmed Trump's signing on X.

The bill, which passed the Senate on Friday with a 54-46 vote, includes a modest increase in defense spending and $13 billion in cuts to non-defense programs.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer acknowledged the bill’s flaws but emphasized the need to prevent a shutdown, saying a shutdown has consequences for America that are "much, much worse."

Democrats criticized the bill as a “blank check” for Trump, arguing it fails to curb the administration’s efforts to slash previously approved spending.

However, 10 Senate Democrats joined Republicans to advance the bill, highlighting the bipartisan effort to maintain government operations.

The House of Representatives passed the bill earlier in the week with a narrow 217-213 vote, supported by one Democrat and opposed by one Republican.