In a critical move to prevent a potential federal government shutdown, lawmakers in Congress have finalized a $1.59 trillion topline spending agreement. The agreement, essential for the 2024 fiscal year, allocates $886 billion for military expenditures and $704 billion for non-defense purposes, according to CNN. An extra $69 billion is designated for various non-defense domestic programs.

“After many weeks of dialogue and debate, we have secured hard-fought concessions to unlock the FY 24 topline numbers and allow the Appropriations Committee to finally begin negotiating and completing the twelve annual appropriations bills,” Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana wrote in a note on Sunday.

Despite the agreement, several challenges persist, primarily from conservative lawmakers who seek to leverage the funding bill to impose stricter immigration and border security measures.

In response to these developments, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries issued a joint statement, emphasizing that the deal on non-defense discretionary spending deal would enable Democrats to safeguard crucial domestic initiatives, such as veterans’ benefits, healthcare, and nutrition assistance. These programs, they argue, are under threat from severe cuts proposed by certain right-wing factions.

“[The agreement] will also allow us to keep the investments for hardworking American families secured by the legislative achievements of President Biden and Congressional Democrats,” the two lawmakers said. “We have made clear to Speaker Mike Johnson that Democrats will not support including poison pill policy changes in any of the twelve appropriations bills put before the Congress.”

President Joe Biden endorsed the bipartisan funding agreement, noting that it aligns with the funding levels he had previously negotiated and enacted into law last spring. However, in order for the new budget to take effect, Congress must pass the funding legislation or a stopgap measure to avert a government shutdown.

A critical deadline looms on January 19, by which point the House of Representatives and the Senate must act before current funding expires. Additionally, the funding for other government sectors is set to lapse on February 2, adding urgency to these deliberations.