House Republicans passed a short-term continuing resolution on Thursday to keep the federal government funded past September 30, sending the measure to a divided Senate where its fate is uncertain. Speaker Mike Johnson relied on near-unanimous Republican support to clear the bill.

Lawmakers returned to Washington on Monday with the stopgap measure atop their agenda after the August recess. The continuing resolution extends current spending levels while Congress works to finalise full-year appropriations. Johnson framed the vote as a necessary step to prevent a lapse in funding on October 1.

The bill drew opposition from House Democrats, who objected to the absence of extended health-insurance subsidies and protections against further executive spending cuts. Several conservative Republicans also voiced discontent over the continuation of prior-year funding levels rather than deeper reductions.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune must now assemble 60 votes to advance the measure, requiring at least seven Democratic senators to cross over. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Democrats would not provide votes without concessions, raising the prospect of a standoff in the final weeks before the deadline.

The White House said President Donald Trump supported the House bill and urged the Senate to act quickly. A prolonged impasse would risk the first government shutdown of Trump's second term.