The U.S. Congress narrowly averted a partial government shutdown by passing a temporary spending bill that will keep federal agencies funded until March 14. The bill includes a range of provisions, from disaster relief to healthcare expansions and new restrictions on pharmacy benefit managers.
Top Republicans and Democrats in the U.S. Congress have crafted temporary spending legislation to keep federal agencies funded through March 14, which would avert a partial government shutdown that would otherwise begin on Saturday.Continues funding for the U.S. military and domestic agencies such as the Department of Justice at current levels through March 14. Benefit programs, including Social Security, are not subject to Congress' annual budgeting process.
Includes $25 million to bolster security for U.S. Supreme Court justices, as judges face a surge in threats across the country.A total of $100 billion in disaster relief, including aid to residents in North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and other states hit by hurricanes Helene and Milton. Covers the full cost of rebuilding the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, which collapsed in March when it was struck by a cargo ship. Includes $250 million for child care in disaster areas, as well as an additional $250 million for child care programs across the country.Imposes new restrictions on pharmacy benefit managers, companies that act as middlemen between drugmakers, drugstores and insurers.Expands the Medicare health insurance program for the elderly to cover more tests, drugs and devices.Extends the'farm bill,' a package of farm subsidies, food benefits and other agriculture programs that otherwise would expire at the end of the year.Criminalizes the publication of'deepfake' pornography, or artificially generated explicit images of real people. Requires social media platforms to take down such images when notified by a victim.Requires manufacturers to disclose whether consumer devices contain a camera or a microphone, addressing privacy concerns about'smart appliances' such as internet-connected refrigerators.Aims to reduce hidden'junk fees' by requiring hotels and live-event ticket sellers to reveal the total price of their product before it is purchase
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