Vote keeps US government going

The Republican House of Representatives voted to keep the US government going until the end of September, paving the way for the Senate to approve the measure to avoid a shutdown of federal agencies.

The bill – a "continuing resolution" that expires on 30 September – was passed by 267 votes to 151. The Senate, which is controlled by the Democrats, is expect to put its stamp of approval on the legislation next week. It will ensure that the government has enough money to keep functioning when the current funding law lapses at the end of March.