The legislation would apparently shield the D.C. government from a billion-dollar cut, but it would still need to be approved by the House.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said that he will vote to advance a Republican bill to fund the government for the rest of the fiscal year, potentially averting the threat of a government shutdown.

Democratic leader Chuck Schumer voted alongside Republicans to advance a House GOP spending bill that would keep the government open for another six months, beyond the midnight shutdown deadline.