US averts government shutdown with stopgap funding bill

US Congress on Friday approved a stopgap funding bill to keep the US federal government operating for another week while lawmakers pursue an agreement on funding for the balance of the fiscal year, which ends on September 30.

The Senate passed the stopgap bill by voice vote without opposition after the House earlier approved it by a vote of 382-30, Xinhua news agency reported.

Funding for the federal government was set to expire at midnight Friday.

It will keep the government open until the end of May 5, and give lawmakers more time to reach agreement on a larger bill that will provide funding for the rest of the current fiscal year ending on September 30.

"It (the bill) will carry us through next week so that a bipartisan final agreement can be reached and so that members will have time to review the legislation before we take it up," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said.

Lawmakers still have disagreements over issues, including extension on healthcare for miners, help for Puerto Rico, environmental and financial regulations, as well as border security spending.

--IANS

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