Senate clears measure to keep government funded past midnight deadline

The Senate Friday passed a measure to keep the government funded until Sunday at midnight, clearing the measure for President Trump's signature.

The legislation will provide Republican and Democratic leaders additional time to hammer out final differences in a coronavirus aid package they plan to bundle with 2021 government spending legislation.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent, withdrew his objection to the bill after warning he would not agree to a final government funding bill until it is paired with the coronavirus bill.

"Let us get this package passed," Sanders said. "Let us make certain we have direct payments to families."