Senate looks to speed ahead on temporary funding to avert government shutdown through the holidays

By STEPHEN GROVES
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate is pushing toward a vote on a temporary government funding package as lawmakers seek to keep the holiday season free from any suspense over a government shutdown. Senate approval Wednesday would set up a final confrontation on the government budget in the new year. Top Republicans and Democrats in the Senate appear ready to pass the bill with days to spare before government funding expires Saturday, though any single senator could still hold up the bill’s passage. The spending package would keep government funding levels at current levels for roughly two more months while a long-term package is negotiated.