Senate passes continuing resolution

With an eye towards adjourning Wednesday night to get back on the campaign trail, the Senate Wednesday approved stop-gap legislation 69-30 that would fund the federal government through Dec. 3 at fiscal 2010 levels for most programs, with the House poised to take up the measure later Wednesday night.

"In order to avoid a government shutdown, the Senate must act now to send this essential legislation to the House," Senate Appropriations Chairman Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii, said.

The Senate defeated two Republican amendments, including a proposal from Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., to cut 5 percent from discretionary spending, excluding defense, homeland security and veterans' programs. The amendment needed 60 votes to pass, but was defeated 48-51.

The Senate also rejected a proposal from Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., that would put the expiration date on the continuing resolution at Feb. 4, which he said would allow newly elected members, including new members looking to burnish their reputations as budget hawks, to make spending decisions instead of lame-duck lawmakers.

The DeMint amendment also needed 60 votes to pass, but failed 39-60.