Senate passes spending bill, averting US government shutdown

The U.S. Senate passed a Republican-led spending bill, preventing a government shutdown. The bill, approved 54-46, will fund the government for six months. Two Democrats joined Republicans in the vote, while Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer opposed it. President Trump must sign the bill by the Friday midnight deadline. The legislation maintains much of the Biden Administration's funding levels but increases military spending by $6 billion and cuts non-defense funding by $13 billion. Local officials in Washington, D.C. were concerned about a potential $1 billion cut in federal funds. However, the Senate also approved a separate bill to keep the city's operating budget intact.