In a race against time to avoid a government shutdown, the House of Representatives voted on Wednesday to pass a package of six government funding bills. The Senate is now tasked with taking up the measure as lawmakers face looming shutdown deadlines on Friday and March 22.

Supported by top Democrats and Republicans in both chambers, the finalized package of spending bills marks a significant breakthrough for lawmakers. After months of relying on stopgap bills to avert shutdowns, Congress is now on the verge of passing updated legislation to fund critical government departments and agencies.

Amidst their narrow majority, House Republicans managed to pass the package on a bipartisan basis. The final vote count tallied 339 in favor and 85 opposed, with 132 Republicans and 2 Democrats voting in favor, and 83 Republicans voting against.

The funding package encompasses various departments, including Agriculture, Commerce, Justice, Veterans Affairs, Energy, Interior, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, as well as the Food and Drug Administration and military construction.

The package also includes funding for key programs and initiatives aimed at bolstering the country's economic competitiveness, such as hiring new air traffic controllers and rail safety inspectors, providing medical care and benefits for veterans, and investing in science, technology, and research programs to enhance US capabilities in areas like artificial intelligence.

Democrats have highlighted the package's support for social safety net programs, including a $7 billion allocation for the WIC program, which offers nutrition assistance for women, infants, and children—a $1 billion increase from the previous fiscal year. Additionally, the package encompasses funding for rental assistance and child nutrition programs, such as the school lunch program.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed pride in the funding package, emphasizing that it fully funds the vital WIC program while making significant investments in infrastructure and strengthening programs for veterans. He also mentioned Democrats' efforts to protect housing and nutrition programs and prevent provisions that could restrict women's health access or hinder progress in combating climate change.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, who had faced criticism from conservatives within his party over his handling of the spending fight, asserted that House Republicans secured conservative policy victories, rejected left-wing proposals, and imposed budget cuts on agencies and programs crucial to President Biden's agenda. Johnson specifically highlighted provisions protecting free speech rights of parents at school boards and safeguarding Second Amendment rights for veterans, alongside deep cuts to the EPA, ATF, and FBI.

However, the hardline House Freedom Caucus has officially opposed the spending package, deeming it a surrender of Republican policy priorities and a failure to secure the southern border against radical Democrats.

Senate Majority Leader Schumer plans to swiftly bring the package to the Senate floor, although the exact timing of the vote is yet to be determined. The pressure is mounting as President Biden is scheduled to deliver his State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress on Thursday evening, further squeezing the timeframe to enact the funding package.

As the clock ticks, lawmakers are focused on cooperation and speed to ensure the bills reach President Biden's desk before the Friday deadline. The Senate's watchwords will be cooperation and speed, according to Schumer.

As the situation develops, updates will continue to be provided.