Senate approves stopgap funding measure to avoid government shutdown

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

The stopgap bill, known as a continuing resolution, cleared the upper chamber 72 to 25 and maintains current funding levels for the federal government through Dec. 16. The legislation now 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.