Senate Clears Hurdle in Avoiding Shutdown, Advances Short-Term Funding Bill

The Senate has advanced a stopgap spending measure in a 68-13 vote to extend government funding deadlines to March 1 and March 8, aiming to avert a partial government shutdown. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed hope for bipartisan cooperation to pass the continuing resolution before Friday, while House Speaker Mike Johnson faces challenges in getting the bill through the House due to opposition from hardline conservatives and multiple absences among House Republicans. If passed, this would be the third short-term spending deal since September.