U.S. House clears way for vote on $1.3 trillion spending bill

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday cleared the way for lawmakers to vote on a $1.3 trillion government spending bill that would fund federal agencies through September and avert a government shutdown.

In a 211-207 vote, the chamber moved to take up debate on the legislation ahead of a final vote with current government funding set to expire late Friday night.

(Reporting by Richard Cowan and Susan Cornwell; Writing by Susan Heavey)