The U.S. House of Representatives passed a short-term government funding measure Tuesday, clearing the path to keep federal agencies operating into December and avoiding a shutdown just weeks before the November midterm elections.

What Did the House Just Vote On?

Lawmakers approved a continuing resolution that funds the federal government at current spending levels through December 11. The measure passed by a wide 370-48 margin, reflecting broad bipartisan support for keeping agencies running rather than risking a lapse heading into election season. The Senate had already approved the bill by an overwhelming margin, so it now heads to President Donald Trump’s desk for his signature, which is expected.

Why Was This Vote Considered Urgent?

The federal fiscal year concludes at the end of September, and lawmakers needed to act before that deadline to avoid a funding gap. Congress was especially motivated to avoid repeating the turmoil of the past year, which included a record 43 day government shutdown tied to a dispute over expiring Affordable Care Act tax credits, followed by a separate 76 day shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security.

What Did Lawmakers Say About the Bill?

House Appropriations Committee Chairman Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., framed the measure as a stability move for the country. “It gives the nation and our constituents certainty, certainty that the government will remain open, certainty that our service members will be paid,” Cole said.

Does This Solve the Underlying Budget Fight?

Not entirely. The short term bill essentially pauses the larger spending battle rather than resolving it. Republicans are pushing for hundreds of billions of dollars in additional military spending paired with cuts to most non-defense programs, while Democrats are pressing for a more bipartisan approach that treats domestic programs with equal weight. Those negotiations over full year government funding are now being pushed to after the November 3 midterms.

What’s the Next Step?

With this measure heading to the president’s desk, the immediate shutdown threat is off the table for now. But the underlying disagreements over defense versus domestic spending remain unresolved, setting up another high stakes funding fight once lawmakers return to Washington following the midterm elections.

This story is developing. FOU News will continue to follow developments as the funding measure is signed and as budget negotiations continue heading into the midterm elections.