Senate plans vote to avert government shutdown

The Senate will vote as early as Wednesday on legislation to extend government funding beyond a Sept. 30 deadline, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced.

The New York Democrat plans to bring up the legislation in time for the House to clear it for President Joe Biden’s signature.

The fiscal year ends on Sept. 30, requiring Congress to pass temporary funding in order to avert a partial government shutdown.

The measure would extend government funding until Dec. 3 and would provide emergency aid to states damaged by wildfires and hurricanes, as well as money to help resettle Afghan refugees.

Senate Republicans blocked the government funding extension when it came up for a vote on Monday. That bill included a provision to raise the nation’s debt limit, which GOP lawmakers oppose.

Schumer on Tuesday excoriated the GOP for