The Senate is moving forward with a bipartisan proposal to fund the federal government through Dec. 11, extending government operations beyond the midterm elections as lawmakers seek to avoid another shutdown this fall.

Senate appropriators unveiled the continuing resolution on Sunday. The measure would generally maintain current funding levels while making several targeted adjustments, including provisions involving nutrition programs, national security and disaster relief.

The proposal differs from a separate stopgap measure approved by the House before lawmakers left Washington for their recess. That bill would also extend government funding into December, but passed largely along party lines and faced opposition from Democrats.

Senate leaders said they would pursue a bipartisan approach because most legislation requires 60 votes to advance in the chamber. The Senate proposal is expected to receive an initial procedural vote on Wednesday, Aug. 5.

Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins said the measure was crafted through bipartisan negotiations. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer described it as a responsible path that would keep the government operating while allowing broader budget discussions to continue.

The House is scheduled to return Aug. 31. Should the Senate approve its version, the competing measures would likely have to be reconciled before the Sept. 30 government-funding deadline.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)