Senate advances government funding bill

WASHINGTON (NBC, KYMA) - The Senate is moving quickly to keep the federal government open and avoid a shutdown.

Senators voted 89 to 4 to advance a short-term spending bill that would fund the government through December 11.

The measure drew broad bipartisan support from Senate leaders and the Appropriations Committee, signaling a push to prevent a funding lapse ahead of the fall midterm elections.

The proposal also includes a temporary block on a Trump Administration plan that would give political appointees final authority over federal scientific grant decisions.