Key facts
- The U.S. Senate passed a short-term funding bill to fund federal agencies through December 11.
- The bill averts a government shutdown before the November midterm elections.
- The measure passed the Senate by a 90-6 vote.
- The House of Representatives previously approved a different continuing resolution (CR) extending funding until December 4.
- The Senate's CR addresses concerns raised by Democrats regarding White House rules on grant cancellations and fund transfers to the border patrol.
The U.S. Senate has passed a short-term funding bill, a continuing resolution (CR), by a 90-6 vote to keep federal agencies funded through December 11, thereby averting a government shutdown just weeks before the November midterm elections. The measure maintains current funding levels and aims to provide Congress with more time to negotiate a longer-term budget. The House of Representatives had previously approved a different CR that would extend funding until December 4. The Senate's version addresses several issues raised by Democrats, including blocking a new White House rule that could allow for the arbitrary cancellation of grants and closing a loophole that could permit funds to be diverted to the border patrol. Senate leaders emphasized the importance of passing the CR to avoid a damaging shutdown and provide stability in the lead-up to the elections.