Senate averts shutdown by passing federal funding ahead of midnight deadline

March 14 (UPI) -- The U.S. Senate on Friday night averted a looming midnight shutdown of the federal government by passing a funding bill after approving a key procedural vote with the support of enough Democrats.

The measure passed 54-46, nearly along party lines, with Democrat Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire and independent Angus King voting yes and Republican Rand Paul of Kentucky voting no.

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