In an effort to avert a partial government shutdown, President Joe Biden signed a stopgap bill into law on Friday. The bill extends funding on a short-term basis and sets up two deadlines on March 8 and March 22, allowing additional time for full-year funding bills to be finalized and passed.

Congress had been facing two impending shutdown deadlines - one on Friday and another on March 8. However, congressional leaders recently reached an agreement on six appropriations bills, providing hope that a comprehensive package of full-year bills will be enacted before the March 8 deadline. The remaining appropriations bills to fund the rest of the government are expected to be finalized and passed before March 22.

The bill was passed by both the House and Senate on Thursday, ensuring its swift enactment. However, House Speaker Mike Johnson faced pressure from conservative members of his party who were reluctant to support another short-term funding bill. Nonetheless, Johnson defended the decision, stating that breaking down the funding process into smaller pieces was a step towards real budgeting and spending reform.

During a meeting with GOP House members, Johnson explained that his hand was forced due to divisions within his own party, which prevented the House from approving a procedural step known as a rule. As a result, Johnson had to rely on Democrats to pass bills with a two-thirds majority, necessitating compromise on the spending package.

This development raises questions about Johnson's future as House Speaker, as conservatives ousted former Speaker Kevin McCarthy in a historic vote last year. Speculation remains as to whether the Louisiana Republican will face a similar threat to his speakership.

Lawmakers have already reached an agreement on six appropriations bills, including funding for departments and agencies such as Agriculture-FDA, Commerce, Justice and Science, Energy and Water Development, Interior, Military Construction-Veterans Affairs, and Transportation-Housing and Urban Development. These bills are expected to be passed before the March 8 deadline.

The remaining six appropriations bills - Defense, Financial Services and General Government, Homeland Security, Labor-Health and Human Services, the Legislative Branch, and State and Foreign Operations - are targeted for a vote prior to the March 22 deadline.

With the stopgap bill in place, the government will avoid a shutdown for now, giving lawmakers the opportunity to finalize long-term funding plans and prevent any disruptions in government services.