Senate Republicans are moving quickly to advance a budget bill intended to keep the federal government funded and avert a shutdown ahead of the midterm elections. The effort reflects a push to resolve immediate funding questions while limiting the likelihood that Congress will face a shutdown fight during the campaign season.
The legislation follows negotiations among Senate appropriators, who have reached a funding agreement described as a stopgap measure. The plan would extend government funding through the midterms, giving lawmakers additional time before they must address longer-term spending decisions.
The Senate action also highlights tensions between Republicans in Congress and the White House over science funding. Some Senate Republicans have joined criticism of the administration’s approach, adding another point of dispute to the broader budget negotiations.
Even if the Senate moves the measure forward, the legislation could face difficulty in the House. The stopgap plan is expected to set up a further funding clash in the fall, when lawmakers will again have to negotiate over government spending and the terms of any broader budget agreement.