Senate approves short-term funding to avert shutdown, curbs grant power

The Senate approved a stopgap bill funding the government through Dec. 11 to avert a shutdown ahead of the midterm elections, including money for housing, nutrition and veterans’ health programs, while also temporarily blocking the White House budget office from expanding political appointee influence over discretionary grants. The measure still must pass the House, where support is uncertain, and it centers on a grant-provision critics say could politicize funding. Lawmakers are negotiating a broader budget deal before Sept. 30 funding runs out, with debates over larger Iran-related spending and election provisions remaining unsettled.