US lawmakers vote to avert government shutdown

US lawmakers have passed a government spending package shortly before a midnight deadline, averting a partial government shutdown.

The Senate passed six bills totalling $459bn (£357bn) which funds nearly 30% of the government.

It faced opposition, however, from some Republicans who argued the measure did not do enough to cut federal spending.

Republicans also wanted the bills to include stronger measures to address immigration at the southern border.

The set of compromise bills passed the Senate by a vote of 75-22 on Friday, following hours of last minute debate.

The bipartisan deal was struck by House and Senate negotiators last week, one day after congressional lawmakers travelled to the White House to meet President Joe Biden.