Senate passes funding bill, averting shutdown

The Senate has averted a partial government shutdown by passing a bill to fund key departments for the next six months.

The legislation, now headed to President Joe Biden, allocates $459 billion for areas like agriculture, housing and transportation, until September 30. 

But, there are still disagreements over funding for defense, state and homeland security, with a deadline approaching in two weeks.

The funding bill also touches on issues like aid to Ukraine, Israel and border security. The prospect of a shutdown remains if an agreement isn’t reached by March 22.