![US Senate passes government funding bill, averts shutdown](https://cyprus-mail.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2024-12-20T202905Z_1415339254_RC20TBAEBBK5_RTRMADP_3_USA-CONGRESS-SHUTDOWN-STOCKS.jpg)
The U.S. Congress passed spending legislation early on Saturday in a down-to-the wire burst of activity that will avert a destabilizing government shutdown ahead of the busy holiday travel season.
The Democratic-controlled Senate in an 85-11 vote passed the bill to continue government funding 38 minutes after it expired at midnight (0500 GMT Saturday). The government did not invoke shutdown procedures in the interim.
The bill will now be sent