The Senate passed a stopgap funding bill intended to keep the federal government operating and avert a shutdown ahead of the midterm elections. The measure moves forward after lawmakers considered the immediate funding deadline and the political consequences of allowing agencies to close or curtail operations.
The legislation provides temporary funding rather than resolving broader disagreements over federal spending. While its passage avoids an immediate shutdown fight, lawmakers are expected to face another funding dispute when the stopgap measure expires or when negotiations resume on longer-term appropriations.
Separately, the Senate confirmed Todd Blanche to lead the Department of Justice, according to the report. His confirmation adds a significant personnel development to a day otherwise centered on the government-funding measure and the effort to avoid a disruption before the election.
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