The measure, which includes several budget amendments, passed a key procedural hurdle on Saturday. However, even if the Senate ultimately approves the bill, it must still clear the House of Representatives before being sent to President Donald Trump for final approval a process that could take several more days.

The shutdown, now stretching into another week, has affected hundreds of thousands of federal workers and disrupted essential government services nationwide. Lawmakers from both parties have expressed frustration over the delay but remain divided on key spending priorities.

Negotiations are expected to continue through the weekend as congressional leaders work to finalize an agreement that can be signed into law.

According to early official results, Milei’s party, La Libertad Avanza (Freedom Advances), won 41.5% of the vote in Buenos Aires province, narrowly surpassing the Peronist coalition, which garnered 40.8%. The province has long been a Peronist stronghold, making the result a historic political shift in Argentina’s modern democracy.

Nationwide, La Libertad Avanza is projected to secure 64 seats in the House of Deputies, up from 37, giving the president increased leverage to push through his economic overhaul in a deeply divided Congress.

A Mandate for Reform

Milei, a former economist and television commentator turned firebrand politician, has promised to dismantle Argentina’s bloated state apparatus, slash public spending, and stabilize the country’s spiraling inflation, which has remained among the highest in the world.

In his post election address, Milei hailed the results as “a mandate for change,” saying Argentines had chosen “freedom, responsibility, and economic discipline” over populism.

“The people have spoken clearly,” Milei said from Buenos Aires. “This victory is not for me, but for all Argentines who believe in a new direction for our country.”

Political Shift in Argentina

The results deal a major blow to Argentina’s Peronist movement, which has dominated national politics for much of the past 75 years. Once the backbone of Argentina’s working class electorate, the Peronist bloc has struggled to maintain influence amid economic stagnation, inflation, and widespread voter frustration.

Analysts say the midterm results may mark a turning point in Argentina’s political landscape, consolidating Milei’s position as one of Latin America’s most controversial yet influential leaders.

Economic Challenges Ahead

Despite the electoral win, Milei faces daunting challenges ahead. Argentina remains mired in a deep recession, with inflation exceeding 200% annually and growing public discontent over austerity measures. The president’s efforts to dollarize the economy, privatize state firms, and cut subsidies have drawn both domestic and international scrutiny.

Still, investors welcomed the election results, seeing them as a sign that Milei’s reform agenda now has a stronger political foundation to proceed.

The announcement came as House Republicans moved quickly to support Trump’s push, particularly targeting Washington, D.C.’s local leadership, which has defended the bail reform measures. Trump’s proposal marks a dramatic federal intervention into what has largely been a state level issue, but the former president says rising violent crime in cities has forced national action.

“This policy is a disaster for victims and a gift to criminals,” Trump said in a statement. “Dangerous offenders are being released within hours, and many go on to commit even more violent crimes.”

The “no cash bail” policy already implemented in several states like New York and California eliminates the requirement for suspects to post money bail for release before trial. Supporters argue it protects low income defendants from unnecessary pretrial incarceration. But critics, including Trump and many Republicans, say it has fueled crime and endangered communities.

Trump’s latest initiative is part of a broader campaign focused on law and order, which includes efforts to impose tougher federal oversight over D.C.’s local government and criminal justice system. His proposals are expected to face legal and political challenges from Democrats and civil rights advocates, who warn that reinstating cash bail could worsen racial disparities and overcrowd jails.

Conclusion:

As President Trump positions crime and public safety at the center of his legislative and campaign agenda, the fight over bail reform is shaping up to be a major national debate heading into the final months of 2025. Whether Congress will approve a nationwide ban remains to be seen.