The US House and Senate have passed a government funding bill that will avert a government shutdown.

The US Congress has passed a spending legislation that will prevent a government shutdown at midnight, ensuring the continuation of federal operations. The Democratic-controlled Senate passed the funding bill with an 85-11 vote, 38 minutes after the government funding lapsed at 12 a.m. Saturday (0500 UTC/GMT).

Earlier on Friday night, the House of Representatives approved the last-minute plan, with a 366-34 vote. The proposal, put forward by House Speaker Mike Johnson, will temporarily fund federal operations and disaster relief efforts.

Johnson had emphasized that Congress would meet its obligations and not allow a government shutdown, particularly with the winter holidays approaching. There had been uncertainty regarding the outcome of the vote, especially after President-elect Donald Trump demanded that a rise in the debt ceiling be included in the deal. If this demand was not met, Trump had posted early Friday that he would prefer to let the closures "start now."

The White House confirmed that President Joe Biden intended to sign the bill into law.

The legislation will extend government funding until March 14 and allocates $100 billion (€960 million) for disaster relief to states affected by natural disasters, along with $10 billion for farmers.

Speaker Johnson stated on Friday that Republicans would have greater influence over government spending next year, when they will hold majorities in both chambers of Congress, and Donald Trump would hold the presidency.

"This was a necessary step to bridge the gap, to put us into that moment where we can put our fingerprints on the final decisions on spending," Johnson said after the vote. He added that Trump supported the package.