US Senate approves funding bill to avoid a shutdown before election

On an overnight vote on Saturday, the US Senate approved a short-term funding measure to keep federal agencies operational until early December and prevent a possible government shutdown during the middle of the campaign season. This late-summer action was unusual, as Congress typically waits until the final days or hours of a funding deadline to pass short-term patches.

However, this time senators acted nearly two months before the fiscal year ended on September 30, reflecting their dissatisfaction with the two historic shutdowns that occurred this past year. The 90-6 vote demonstrated lawmakers' determination to avoid another shutdown before the election.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune advocated for the funding to be addressed before senators left for their next five-week recess to focus on their reelection campaigns and other matters. The bill garnered broad bipartisan support and was caught up with other issues that pushed votes into the night. It generally funds the federal government at current levels through December 11, but includes various exceptions negotiated with the White House.

Democrats secured language ensuring no money could be transferred to the Border Patrol. They also rejected the White House's request for $1 billion (Ksh 129 billion) for early work on a new "Trump-class" battleship that the administration announced on December 22.

The bill includes language delaying a national ban on most intoxicating hemp products, leading to a one-month delay that outraged some Senate Republicans concerned about these products falling into the hands of children. The packaging of these products often uses bright colors and mimics popular snack brands to attract consumers.