Senate passes stopgap to avert pre-election shutdown

The U.S. Senate passed a continuing resolution by a 90-6 vote, funding the government at current levels through December 11, past the November midterm elections. The measure now goes to the House for approval after lawmakers return from August recess. The bill includes provisions blocking a proposed rule giving political appointees greater review over federal grants, preventing funds from other programs from being transferred to the Border Patrol, rejecting a $1 billion request to begin work on a new class of battleships, and delaying for one month a planned ban on intoxicating hemp products.