Congress sends bill to Trump to avert government shutdown

WASHINGTON — Congress has approved a bill keeping the government open through Dec. 7, as lawmakers move to avert a government shutdown looming next week.

The $854 billion bill also funds the military and a host of civilian agencies for the next year.

The House approved t he bill, 361- 61, on Wednesday, a week after the Senate approved it, 93-7.

The measure now goes to President Donald Trump, who said he will sign it. Trump’s signature would avert a partial government shutdown set to begin Monday, weeks ahead of the Nov. 6 elections that will determine control of Congress.

Trump made the pledge to sign the bill despite his f rustration t hat t he legisalation does not pay for his long-promised wall along the U.S.-Mexico border — a fact Trump called “ridiculous.”