Biden signs a package of spending bills passed by Congress just hours before a shutdown deadline

President Joe Biden has signed into law a package of spending bills passed by the Senate in time to avoid a shutdown of many key federal agencies. He signed the legislation Saturday while offering thanks to leaders and negotiators from both parties. The vote Friday night gets lawmakers about halfway home in wrapping up their appropriations work for this budget year. Lawmakers are now negotiating a second package of six bills, including defense, in an effort to have all federal agencies fully funded by March 22. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer says the first bill’s passage enables the hiring of more air traffic controllers and more support for homeless veterans, among other things.