The House on Tuesday approved a short-term spending bill funding the government through Saturday, the first step toward passing a massive $1 trillion spending bill for the rest of 2014.
Members approved the bill by voice vote after a quick debate in which representatives of both parties said the bill is needed to keep the government open while Congress manages the much larger spending bill.
Without the short-term bill, funding for the government would run out after Wednesday, and the Senate is expected to need a few days to digest the larger bill.
{mosads}Most Republicans and Democrats were fine considering the bill under a suspension of House rules, which allowed for a faster debate but required a two-thirds majority for passage. Last week, Democratic leaders indicated they supported passage of the bill under suspension.
“This is a very, very short-term continuing resolution to keep the government open and operating until January 18th,” said House Appropriations Committee Chairman Hal Rogers (R-Ky.).
“This clean, three-day CR will guarantee no lapse in funding while the legislative gears turn,” added ranking member Rep. Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.). “It contains no policy provisions or other extraneous material. I support its quick passage.”