WASHINGTON — The Senate voted 90-6 early Saturday to pass a short-term funding bill to remove the threat of a government shutdown before the midterm elections.
The legislation, advanced in a late-night session that stretched into the early hours, would keep federal funds flowing through Dec. 11 at existing levels to give time to negotiate a full-year deal.
It was negotiated by the two parties and includes some modest add-ons, including a provision demanded by Democrats aimed at preventing President Donald Trump from blocking federal grants to blue states for political reasons.
It also includes some adjustments to preserve the SNAP and WIC food programs, in addition to disaster relief and national security measures.
The bill now goes to the House, which needs to approve it and send it to Trump to become law by Sept. 30 in order to avert a shutdown beginning Oct. 1.
If so, it would prevent the sort of brinkmanship that has become common in Congress ahead of the fall deadline. There is a broad anti-incumbency mood in the electorate that has afflicted both parties during this primary season, and neither side wanted to risk a shutdown that could carry treacherous political consequences just before Election Day on Nov. 3.
The House passed a different short-term government funding bill last month before leaving for the August recess. The Senate is also expected to adjourn for the month after wrapping up some lingering business.
