Senate leaders reach deal to fund government past the midterm elections

Senate leaders announced Sunday night that they reached agreement on a short-term spending bill to keep the government funded past the midterm elections.

“I worked with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to craft this stopgap funding measure," Senate Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Susan Collins said.

"I am grateful for the work of my colleagues; this CR is a major step toward averting a damaging shutdown that only harms vital programs and federal workers," she added.

The deal would fund federal agencies through December 11, avoiding a shutdown during the middle of campaign season. A vote in the Senate is expected before senators leave a week's end for summer break.

The House has passed a similar measure, but it did not include various exceptions sought by the White House, The Associated Press reported.