The U.S. House of Representatives approved a short-term funding bill on Tuesday aimed at preventing a government shutdown ahead of the November midterm elections. The continuing resolution, which authorizes federal spending through December 4, passed largely along party lines with a 220-205 vote. The measure will now proceed to the Senate, where bipartisan support will be necessary for its passage.

The current government funding expires on September 30, prompting Republican leaders in the House to act preemptively. They expressed concerns that Senate Democrats might block appropriations bills as they did last year during a 43-day shutdown over tax credit expirations linked to healthcare costs. Democrats also opposed funding measures earlier this year to advocate for changes to immigration enforcement policies.

Tom Cole, chair of the House Appropriations Committee, emphasized that the House was acting to avoid repeating past shutdowns, stating that Republicans would not allow Senate Democrats’ obstruction to "trigger another manufactured shutdown."

In a closely contested vote, members agreed to advance both the continuing resolution and an accompanying budget framework that outlines a $95 billion spending package largely supported by Republicans with a 214-211 vote.

Under the U.S. Constitution, Congress is responsible for authorizing government spending annually through 12 appropriations bills. However, lawmakers frequently miss the deadlines, requiring continuing resolutions to keep government agencies operational. So far, the House has passed three appropriations bills for the 2027 fiscal year, but the Senate has not approved any. Senate Republican leaders indicated ongoing negotiations with Senate Democrats over a short-term funding solution.

Democratic Representative Rosa DeLauro, the ranking member on the House Appropriations Committee, said her party does not seek a government shutdown and called a stopgap funding measure “necessary.” However, she criticized the Republican-backed bill for allocating funds to the U.S. Border Patrol without substantial reforms to the agency.

If the Senate does not approve the continuing resolution, lawmakers will face intensified negotiations over government funding following the August recess. These discussions may be further complicated by the proximity of the midterm elections.