U.S. Senate passes funding bill to avert government shutdown this week
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. Senate on Thursday passed legislation that would continue the funding for a wide range of federal agencies through Dec. 20 and avoid partial government shutdowns that otherwise would begin on Friday, when existing money expires.

The Senate approved the bill by a vote of 74-20. The legislation now goes to President Donald Trump for his expected approval, as the House of Representatives also passed this measure on Tuesday.

(Reporting by Richard Cowan; editing by Susan Heavey)