The Senate voted 90-6 early Saturday to approve a temporary funding measure that would keep federal agencies operating through December 11, reducing the risk of a government shutdown during campaign season. The vote came nearly two months before the September 30 fiscal-year deadline, considerably earlier than Congress typically acts on short-term spending legislation.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune sought passage before senators departed for a five-week recess focused partly on reelection campaigns. Although debate over related issues pushed voting late into the night, the measure received broad bipartisan support. The House must approve the bill after its August recess before it can be sent to President Donald Trump.
The legislation generally maintains current federal spending levels while including several negotiated exceptions. Democrats secured a provision preventing transfers of funds to the Border Patrol and rejected a White House request for $1 billion to begin work on a proposed “Trump-class” battleship.
Another provision delays for one month a national ban on most intoxicating hemp products. Some Republicans, including Senator Ted Budd of North Carolina, opposed the delay, citing increased cannabis-related emergency room visits among minors and concerns about packaging resembling popular snacks. The hemp industry argues that additional time would allow Congress to develop safeguards while protecting farmers and businesses. Budd’s attempt to remove the delay failed.
The bill also temporarily blocks new federal grant regulations requiring senior political appointees to review awards for alignment with presidential priorities. Democrats and Republican Senator Susan Collins expressed concern that the rules could politicize grant decisions. The White House Office of Management and Budget said the proposed review process is intended to strengthen accountability and prevent waste.
Lawmakers are expected to revisit these disputes during full-year spending negotiations ahead. The House’s response will determine whether the measure reaches the president before current funding expires.