WASHINGTON (CNN) — The Senate approved legislation on Wednesday that would fund the government through the end of September and avoid a partial federal shutdown as well as soften the blow of sweeping spending cuts.
The measure, which passed the chamber in a 73-26 vote, now advances to the House of Representatives.
Leaders of the Senate, run by Democrats, and the Republican-controlled House hope to avoid another saga like the fiscal showdowns that have come to define dysfunction in Congress.
Lawmakers want to get the bill, known as a continuing resolution, to President Barack Obama’s desk before leaving Washington for a two-week holiday break starting on Friday.
Failure to enact the measure before March 27 would result in a partial shutdown of federal agencies and other programs.
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