Senate lawmakers took a bipartisan step Monday toward avoiding another government shutdown, advancing a short-term Funding measure nearly two months before the current federal Funding deadline.
According to Fox News, the Senate voted to clear the first procedural hurdle for a continuing resolution that would keep the government funded through the November midterm elections and into early December.
The current Funding authority expires on Sept. 30, the end of the fiscal year.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said acting well before the deadline would provide stability after a turbulent stretch marked by multiple shutdowns.
"There's been enough uncertainty this last year," Thune said. "It's better for everybody if there's predictability, certainty."
Republicans have spent months expressing concern that another Funding standoff could disrupt the government during a pivotal election season.
By moving the legislation early, GOP leaders hope to avoid a last-minute scramble in Congress.
Congress has experienced multiple government shutdowns during President Donald Trump's second term.
Last year's Funding lapse became the longest full government shutdown on record, lasting more than 40 days during a dispute over Obamacare tax subsidies.
A second shutdown followed earlier this year and extended beyond 70 days after Democrats opposed a bipartisan Funding agreement in the aftermath of the killing of Renee Nicole Good in Minnesota by immigration enforcement agents. Republicans later advanced immigration Funding without Democratic support.
This time, however, leaders from both parties appear aligned on preventing another lapse in government Funding.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., endorsed the continuing resolution, calling it the best option while lawmakers continue negotiating broader spending legislation.
"For months, Democrats have been clear: we want to fund the government, avoid a shutdown and pass strong, bipartisan appropriations bills that improve people's lives," Schumer said in a statement.
Republican leaders are aiming to send the measure to the House before lawmakers leave Washington for their final scheduled recess ahead of the fall legislative push.
Government Funding is only one of several priorities awaiting Senate action.
Lawmakers are also expected to consider more than 70 pending nominations, a Russia sanctions package, legislation addressing cryptocurrency market structure, and the final confirmation vote for acting Attorney General Todd Blanche,
President Trump's nominee to lead the Department of Justice.
Thune signaled the Senate intends to remain in session until its major legislative business is complete.
"I think we have a bunch of stuff we have to finish, and we'll just stay until we finish it," he said.