US Senate passes stopgap bill to avert shutdown, aid Ukraine

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress is moving quickly to avoid a government shutdown. The Senate on Thursday (Sept. 29, 2022) passed a short-term spending bill that would finance federal agencies into mid-December. The legislation also provides another round of military and economic aid to Ukraine as it seeks to repel Russia’s invasion. The bill finances the federal government through Dec. 16, 2022, giving lawmakers time to agree on a larger government funding package after the midterm election. Assistance and money to help low-income families afford their heating bills this winter was also included in the bill, which now heads to the House for consideration.