Congress averted a government shutdown by passing a stopgap spending bill, funding the government through December 16th. The bill passed the Senate 72-23 and was expected to easily pass the House. The legislation provides about $1.15 trillion in funding and avoids upending the lives of thousands of federal workers and contractors. Some Republicans opposed the bill because it did not include provisions to block funding for President Biden's student loan forgiveness plan. Congress will now have more time to negotiate full-year funding packages for the remaining months of fiscal 2023.