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.
The bill now goes to the House, which needs to approve it and send it to President Donald Trump to become law by Sept. 30 in order to avert a shutdown beginning Oct. 1.
What’s in the Bill
The legislation was negotiated by the two parties and includes some modest add-ons, including: A provision demanded by Democrats aimed at preventing Trump from blocking federal grants to blue states for political reasons; Adjustments to preserve the SNAP and WIC food programs; and Disaster relief and national security measures
Why It Passed
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. After wrapping up some lingering business, the Senate also adjourned for the month just before 5 a.m. ET. Senators are set to return on Sept. 14.
The Bottom Line
The Senate passed a short-term funding bill by a 90-6 vote to prevent a government shutdown before the midterm elections. The legislation would keep federal funds flowing through Dec. 11 and includes provisions on food programs, disaster relief, and national security. The bill now heads to the House, which must approve it by Sept. 30 to avert a shutdown beginning Oct. 1. Neither party wanted to risk a shutdown with voters in an anti-incumbency mood.
