The United States Senate passed a short-term government funding bill on Thursday after over two dozen Republicans crossed party lines to avert a shutdown. 

In an 72-25 vote, the Senate passed a funding measure meant to keep the government afloat until December 16. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said the more than two-month extension would allow lawmakers from both sides of the aisle one last chance at negotiating a year-long budget deal before the new Congress takes office in January. 

"Let's hope this is the last [stop gap], they do so we get an omnibus [budget] done in December," said Schumer, D-N.Y.

The funding bill now heads to the House where Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., is expected to pass it before the September 30 deadline at which funding for the federal government runs out. Pelosi and Democrats are confident they have the votes for passage, despite the active opposition of House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and GOP leadership.... Read More: FOX News