Congress

Senate Passes Spending Bill, Avoids Government Shutdown

Funding was set to expire midnight Friday.

Senate Passes Spending Bill, Avoids Government Shutdown
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The Senate voted to pass a government funding bill Thursday and avoided a government shutdown. 

The Senate passed the bill 66-32, extending funding until Jan. 19.

The extension lets lawmakers settle long-term funding debates next year. 

The Senate passed the bill just hours after the House voted for the measure. The House also passed an $81 billion disaster aid package. 

The deadline to fund the government is midnight Friday.