US senate passes stopgap bill, averts government shutdown

Washington [US], August 10 – The US Senate has approved a short-term funding bill to keep federal agencies operating through early December reducing the risk of a government shutdown ahead of the November election campaign.

The measure passed in a 90-6 vote late Saturday reflecting broad bipartisan support. It now moves to the House of Representatives which must approve the legislation after lawmakers return from their August recess before it can be sent to President Donald Trump for his signature.

The stopgap bill would extend government funding at current levels through Dec 11 while incorporating several negotiated provisions. Democratic lawmakers secured language preventing the transfer of funds to the US Border Patrol and blocked the White House’s request for $1 billion to begin work on a proposed “Trump-class” battleship.

The legislation also delays a planned nationwide ban on most intoxicating hemp products by one month. The provision drew criticism from some Republican senators who argued the products pose growing risks to children while industry representatives said the delay allows time to develop balanced regulations.

The bill further suspends new federal grant review regulations during the funding extension. Supporters of the provision said it would prevent political interference in grant awards while the White House maintained the proposed rules are intended to improve accountability and safeguard taxpayer funds.

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