WASHINGTON: The US House of Representatives passed a legislation to temporarily fund the federal government through two separate dates and avoid a government shutdown, sending the bill to the Senate for consideration, reported Sputnik.

House lawmakers passed the legislation on Tuesday evening under suspension of the rules in a vote of 336 in favour and 95 against, with two-thirds support required for passage.

Dozens of Republicans and two Democrats voted against the proposal, which was championed by House Speaker Mike Johnson.

The so-called “laddered” continuing resolution would fund separate portions of the government through two separate dates – Jan 19 and Feb 2 – in order to avoid the need for an omnibus spending bill during the holiday season.

US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said they will support the legislation and move to pass it as quickly as possible through the upper chamber of Congress.–Bernama-Sputnik