Biden signs legislation to avert government closure for three weeks.

• Hours before the deadline, President Biden passed a short-term government funding bill into law, averting a shutdown.
• The legislation will keep the government running through March 11.
• Lawmakers hope to reach a long-term spending agreement during those three weeks.

Hours before a shutdown deadline, President Biden signed a short-term government spending bill into law on Friday.

The Senate passed a measure on Thursday night with a 65-27 vote, which will keep the government running until March 11. Washington had to approve a spending plan before the end of the day Friday.

Federal operations will be funded until September 30 as lawmakers aim to pass legislation based on the long-term spending framework agreed upon earlier this month by appropriators.

Before the next shutdown deadline in three weeks, they must negotiate appropriations details and approve legislation.

Federal workers may experience furloughs and certain services may be suspended during government shutdowns, which can negatively impact the economy.

Since September, Congress has maintained funding for the government through various stopgap measures, including continuing resolutions.

During a midterm election year and while the U.S. is attempting to prevent a potential Russian invasion of Ukraine, Washington showed reluctance to take any risks that could lead to a shutdown.

The Senate passed the legislation before a planned weeklong recess, which had already been approved by the House.