Legislation has now been passed in both houses of Congress, forestalling an imminent government shutdown. But lawmakers must still pass a slew of appropriations bills before February 2 designed to keep a handful of the federal government's largest agencies in operation. By a 77 to 18 vote, the Senate passed a short-term funding extension that will keep things in place until a new funding deadline of early March. The vote in the House: 314 members in favor of the funding extension and 108 voting in opposition. House Speaker Mike Johnson said the short-term spending legislation is what is required to "complete what House Republicans are working hard to achieve: an end to governance by omnibus, meaningful policy wins, and better stewardship of American tax dollars." But Congressional reporters noted that within the Republican caucus, a large 106 voted against the extension. Those in opposition include Representatives Andy Biggs, Elijah Crane, Paul Gosar, Debbie Lesko, and David Schweikert of Arizona; and Lauren Boebert and Ken Buck of Colorado. No members of the New Mexico delegation were opposed. Congress must come to an agreement on a separate series of appropriations bill by the end of next week that will fund, among other agencies, the Department of Commerce, Justice Department, Homeland Security, the Defense Department, and the Department of Interior. Sources have earlier confirmed that a government shutdown could have an impact on infrastructure projects already in the planning stage, particularly when it comes to obtaining various agency permits. According to the Washington-based Center for American Progress, funding additionally coming through the Department of Agriculture for water and wastewater infrastructure projects would come to a halt in a shutdown, as would funding for "electricity infrastructure and communications infrastructure." By Garry Boulard
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