Congress Passes Two-Week Spending Bill to Avoid Dec. 9 Shutdown
- House and Senate approve extension to keep government open
- Next deadline is Dec. 22 to work out differences on spending
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Congress passed a two-week extension of federal funding that averts a government shutdown this week but defers decisions on spending levels for defense and domestic programs.
The House voted 235 to 193 in favor of the extension Thursday afternoon followed quickly by the Senate, which passed it 81 to 14. Lawmakers now have until Dec. 22 to settle some larger issues on spending and legislation. At the same time they will be rushing to finish work on tax legislation before leaving Washington for the holidays.