House approves short-term spending bill

The House of Representatives voted to avert a federal government shutdown by extending temporary funding for another two weeks, giving Democrats time to craft a more lasting solution.

The Senate was expected to take up the measure by Friday, when funding for government operations otherwise would expire. Though the fiscal year began on October 1, the government has been operating on last year's budget as Congress has failed to pass the 12 bills needed to fund government operations. The temporary funding has kept national parks open and aircraft carriers afloat, but a wide range of research grants and other new initiatives have been placed on hold. The House voted 239 to 178 to extend the temporary funding arrangement until December 18. Only two Republicans voted for the measure.