US Senate unveils stopgap spending bill to avert government shutdown until December 11

US Senate introduces a bipartisan stopgap spending bill to fund federal agencies through December 11, avoiding a government shutdown before the elections.

The bill removes a proposed $1 billion allocation for 'Trump-class' battleships after opposition from Senate Democrats.

It limits the administration's ability to shift funds to expand Border Patrol operations and temporarily blocks a rule allowing political appointees to review grant applications.

Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins argued the grants rule risked politicizing federal funding, while Senator Patty Murray vowed to permanently scrap it.

The measure postpones a funding fight until after the elections, but major differences remain between Congress and the White House over spending priorities.