House and Senate pass last-minute stopgap bill

Despite some Republican opposition, Congress overwhelmingly passed a short-term spending bill yesterday to avoid a government shutdown next week. The temporary measure passed the Senate 78-18 after passing in the House 341-82.

The stopgap bill maintains current spending levels through Dec. 20, which caused some Republicans to object, saying it will lead to a last-minute omnibus package right before Christmas. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-La.) is promising that won’t be the case.

President Joe Biden is expected to sign the stopgap bill as soon as possible.