House passes stopgap spending bill, averting pre-election shutdown

The U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly voted 370-48 on Tuesday to extend federal government funding through December 11, averting a shutdown before the November midterm elections. This measure, which the Senate passed 90-6 on August 8, now goes to President Donald Trump for his signature. The bipartisan continuing resolution includes provisions that block the administration from transferring additional funding to Border Patrol and temporarily prevent an Office of Management and Budget rule giving political appointees greater control over federal grant awards. It also delays a federal restriction on certain intoxicating hemp-derived products until December 11. Rep. Tom Cole, chair of the House Appropriations Committee, stated, "Responsible governance means putting the well-being and stability of the nation first, and this legislation does just that."