Washington, August 08 (QNA) - The US Senate today approved a temporary funding bill aimed at averting a federal government shutdown ahead of the midterm elections, extending funding for federal agencies through December 11.

The measure passed by a vote of 90-6, allowing federal agencies to continue operating at current funding levels while lawmakers work toward an agreement on full-year appropriations.

The Republican-controlled House of Representatives approved its own version of the temporary funding bill last month. The two chambers must now reconcile their respective measures and agree on a unified version before it can be sent to US President Donald Trump for signature.

A government shutdown can be avoided only if final funding legislation is enacted before the current fiscal-year appropriations expire on September 30. In the absence of an agreement, a shutdown would begin on October 1. (QNA)