In a significant development, President Joe Biden has signed a package of six government funding bills into law on Saturday, ensuring the continued operation of critical government departments and agencies for the remainder of the fiscal year. This move comes after legislators worked against the clock to secure funding prior to the Friday night deadline.

The passing of these spending bills, which received bipartisan support from top Democrats and Republicans in both chambers, marks a major breakthrough for lawmakers who have relied on stopgap measures in recent months to avert shutdowns. The White House expressed gratitude towards congressional leaders from both parties for their efforts in bringing these bills to the president's desk.

Late on Friday, the Office of Management and Budget announced that agencies would continue with their normal operations and had ceased preparations for a shutdown, following the passage of the updated funding legislation. However, the work is far from over, as lawmakers still need to finalize and pass a second set of funding bills by March 22.

Democrats and Republicans have each highlighted victories within the spending package. The legislation provides funding for 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 programs.

The package supports a range of important programs and initiatives, such as the hiring of air traffic controllers and rail safety inspectors. It also aims to enhance medical care and benefits for veterans, invest in science, technology, and research programs to boost US economic competitiveness, and foster competition with China in fields like artificial intelligence.

The measure received overwhelming support in the Senate, passing with a 75-22 vote on Friday evening, following its earlier passage in the House. House Republicans, despite holding a narrow majority, also voted in favor of the package on a bipartisan basis with 132 Republicans in favor and 83 opposed, while two Democrats voted against it.

Democrats have emphasized that the spending package funds crucial social safety net programs, including a $7 billion allocation for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, representing a $1 billion increase from the previous fiscal year. Funding for rental assistance and child nutrition programs, like the school lunch program, is also included.

Republicans, on the other hand, have pointed to spending cuts within the legislation and conservative policy riders. House Speaker Mike Johnson highlighted provisions that protect parents' right to free speech before school boards, while also safeguarding Second Amendment rights for veterans. Additionally, the legislation imposes budget reductions on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which have faced criticism under the Biden Administration.

However, it is worth noting that the hardline House Freedom Caucus has voiced opposition to the spending package, stating that it fails to address key Republican policy priorities and relinquishes leverage in securing the southern border.

With the immediate threat of a government shutdown averted, attention now turns to finalizing the second round of funding bills by the March 22 deadline.