Senate Passes Stopgap Bill to Fund Government Through December 11

The U.S. Senate passed a stopgap spending bill early Saturday, extending government funding through December 11 and averting a shutdown before the November midterm elections. The bipartisan measure, which now heads to the House, generally maintains funding levels after the fiscal year ends September 30.

The legislation includes several provisions that limit the administration's authority. Notably, it blocks a proposed rule that would give senior political appointees a larger role in reviewing federal grants. It also prevents the administration from transferring funds from other programs to the Border Patrol.

Furthermore, the bill rejects a White House request for $1 billion to begin developing a new class of battleships. It also delays for one month a ban on intoxicating hemp products, a measure that had divided Senate Republicans.

The provision concerning the review of grants is considered one of the more consequential parts of the short-term bill. The Office of Management and Budget had proposed rule changes to require senior appointees to review discretionary grants to ensure they advance the president's agenda.

Lawmakers in both parties expressed eagerness to avoid a government shutdown becoming a central issue in the election campaign. The passage pushes potential major spending showdowns and disputes over executive authority to December, after the elections.