Politics
Congress passes stopgap spending bill through December 11 to avoid shutdown
Lawmakers approved a continuing resolution that delays the full-year federal budget debate until after the midterm elections.
The short version
- The House approved a bipartisan stopgap funding measure to keep the federal government open through Dec. 11.
- The legislation prevents a potential shutdown ahead of the Sept. 30 funding deadline.
- The measure, already passed by the Senate, goes to President Donald Trump for his signature.
- Lawmakers will face the task of negotiating a full-year federal budget during the post-election session.
Key facts
- The House passed the continuing resolution in a 370-48 bipartisan vote to maintain federal spending through Dec. 11.[NPR]
- The Senate approved the stopgap measure in August, and the White House encouraged lawmakers to pass it.[NPR]
- Existing federal funding was scheduled to lapse on Sept. 30 before the extension was approved.[NPR]
- The short-term funding patch was introduced after bipartisan Senate negotiations on full-year appropriations broke down.[NPR]
What remains uncertain
- Whether congressional leaders can reach an agreement on full-year appropriations bills when the temporary funding expires in December.[NPR]