US Senate passes short-term funding bill to avoid government shutdown

The US Senate has passed a short-term financing bill aimed at funding federal agencies through December on Saturday.

The move passed by 90-6 votes, is intended to prevent looming government shutdown weeks before the November midterm elections.

The legislation would keep funds flowing through December 11 at existing levels, giving more time to negotiate a full-year deal.

The bill was negotiated by two parties and includes some add-ons, including a Democrat-demanded provision aimed at thwarting President Donald Trump from blocking federal grants to blue states for political reasons. It also stipulates some adjustment to protect SNAP and WIC food programs. It also includes security measures and disaster relief.

Last month the Republican controlled House of Representative also passed its own funding measure. Now the bill passed by the Senate will go to the House for approval.Once approved, it will be sent to the President to sign it into law before the expiration of funding on September 30. The government shutdown will begin on October 1.

According to Democratic lawmakers, the Senate version prevents the administration from reallocating funds to border security operations from other programs.

The Senate package encompasses provisions enabling funding adjustments directed toward housing and food assistance initiatives.