Kathmandu— The United States House of Representatives has approved a temporary spending measure that will keep the federal government funded through December 11, averting a potential shutdown ahead of the midterm elections on November 3. The bill passed by a vote of 370 to 48 and now goes to President Donald Trump for his signature.

Background on Government Funding

Normally, Congress must pass 12 spending bills to fully fund the federal government’s programs. These are divided into categories such as homeland security, energy, housing, and defense. However, Congress has yet to finish these bills for fiscal year 2027, which runs through September 30, 2027. The stopgap measure, known as a continuing resolution, allows lawmakers more time to negotiate the full-year spending bills.

Impact on Midterm Elections

The vote removes the immediate threat of another government shutdown as lawmakers prepare for the midterm elections on November 3. These elections will decide which party controls each of Congress’s two chambers, a factor that could shape upcoming budget negotiations. Government shutdowns are widely unpopular in the US, and political analysts speculate that one before an election would dampen the chances of re-election for sitting lawmakers.

Past Shutdowns and Political Disputes

Democrats have been embroiled in fights with Republicans since the start of Trump’s second term. These disputes have resulted in three government shutdowns, lasting a combined 161 days. The longest shutdown occurred in October 2025 over healthcare subsidies, while subsequent partial shutdowns targeted the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) after incidents involving immigration agents.

Congressional Authority and Fiscal Challenges

Democratic Representative Rosa DeLauro argued that Tuesday’s stopgap bill would allow Congress to reclaim its constitutional authority over government spending. The temporary measure does not address the country's broader fiscal challenges, including a national debt of $40 trillion and affordability concerns for voters.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.