The Senate took a baby step Monday toward passing a funding extension that would head off a partial government shutdown this fall.
On a lopsided vote of 89-4, the Senate agreed to limit debate on taking up a legislative vehicle for a bipartisan stopgap measure unveiled over the weekend to extend current funding through Dec. 11.
With leaders of both parties on board, the Senate is hoping to pass the bill quickly before departing for its August recess. “I look forward to passing this bill in the next few days,” said Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D.
Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., said the bill provides a “responsible pathway” that “allows us to continue negotiating a budget that won’t leave working families behind.”
Both chambers are getting an unusually early start for a funding patch that won’t be needed until the new fiscal year begins on Oct. 1. The House passed a more bare-bones version on July 21 before leaving town for its own recess.
