Senate votes on stopgap funding measure to avoid government shutdown

Washington — The Senate on Thursday is voting on a short-term measure to keep federal agencies operating through mid-December and provide Ukraine with more than $12 million in economic and military aid as the country continues to defend itself from Russia's aggression.

The stopgap bill, known as a continuing resolution, maintains current funding levels for the federal government through Dec. 16. If passed by the Senate, the legislation will head to the House ahead of a Friday night deadline to avert a partial government shutdown and then to President Biden's desk for his signature. 

House Republican leaders are urging their members to oppose the short-term funding bill, though it's still expected to pass the Democrat-led chamber.