The Senate moved forward on Thursday on a short-term spending bill that will avert a government shutdown next week.
The bill provides funding for the federal government until December 11 and includes money for President Donald Trump’s border wall. It also includes another two-week extension of the debt ceiling, as well as a one-year delay in a tax on medical devices.
The Senate voted 84-7 to open debate on the bill and now it is up to lawmakers to pass it. The Senate must pass the bill before it can move to the House.
The passage of the bill is all but assured in both the Senate and the House. A government shutdown would take effect on Monday unless Congress is able to pass legislation before then.
The short-term bill is a compromise between Democrats and Republicans and includes some of Trump’s priorities.The border wall money and delay in the medical device tax are both important to the president.
It remains to be seen what provisions may be added in the House. Lawmakers in both chambers are expected to add other legislative measures to the bill before it makes it to Trump’s desk for his signature.
