The Senate passed a short-term government funding bill on Thursday, averting a shutdown that had loomed as a potential crisis heading into the midterm election season. The continuing resolution extends federal funding at current levels, buying lawmakers additional time to negotiate a longer-term spending agreement.

The vote came after a period of extended uncertainty over whether the two parties could reach an agreement before the funding deadline. Senate leadership from both sides ultimately backed the measure, with enough votes to clear the chamber. The bill now moves to the House, where leaders are expected to take it up in the coming days.

Continuing resolutions are a common stopgap mechanism used when Congress fails to pass full-year appropriations bills before a funding deadline. They maintain existing spending levels and prevent agencies from being forced to cease non-essential operations, a scenario that disrupts federal workers and government services.

The agreement ends weeks of standoff between Democratic and Republican negotiators over spending priorities. Supporters of the deal argue that preventing a shutdown ahead of the elections was critical to maintaining public confidence in government function, while critics contend the measure delays necessary decisions about long-term fiscal direction.