The Senate on Saturday approved a stopgap funding bill aimed at preventing a government shutdown when current federal funding expires at the end of September. The bipartisan measure passed with a 90-6 vote, with one senator voting present, and would maintain existing funding levels through December 11 while blocking the Trump administration from reallocating funds to the Border Patrol—a key demand from Democrats.

The legislation also includes a one-month postponement of a ban on intoxicating hemp products set to take effect in November. This provision was added at President Trump’s request but sparked opposition within the Senate, briefly jeopardizing the bill’s passage.

Senators acted more than a month ahead of the September 30 deadline, contrasting with the last-minute funding battles that marked recent years. The prospect of approaching midterm elections and the experience of previous shutdowns this fiscal year prompted lawmakers to seek an early resolution.

“After three unnecessary lapses in funding during the fiscal year 2026 cycle, putting the possibility of yet another harmful shutdown off the table should be a priority for each and every one of us,” said Senator Susan Collins, Republican of Maine and Appropriations Committee chairwoman.

Democrats welcomed the measure preventing funds from being redirected to the Border Patrol, a move that had triggered one of last year’s shutdowns. “This is an important step forward to prevent a shutdown no one wants and provide the runway we need to negotiate funding bills in the months ahead as we fight to rein in Trump’s corruption and make life more affordable for families back home,” stated Senator Patty Murray of Washington, the committee’s top Democrat.

The contentious delay on the hemp product ban became a focal point of debate. Opponents argued the ban was necessary to regulate a rapidly expanding market for intoxicant-infused products like gummies, vapes, and beverages that are commonly sold in gas stations and convenience stores but are not subject to cannabis dispensary regulations.

Senator Ted Budd, Republican of North Carolina, voiced concern that the hemp industry was attempting to “permanently entrench their intoxicating products into the machinery of government,” criticizing the products’ design as appealing to children and urging the ban remain in place.

Supporters, including the Trump administration, contended the delay would benefit veterans and patients managing pain by preserving access to these products. The Senate ultimately rejected the effort to remove the delay, voting 61 to 32 to keep the postponement intact.

The measure now moves to the House of Representatives, where lawmakers have expressed a similar interest in avoiding a shutdown ahead of the November elections, though its passage there remains uncertain.