WASHINGTON, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Senate on Thursday passed a short-term spending bill that would extend government funding until March, as funding for some federal agencies and programs is set to expire on Saturday.

       The upper chamber voted 77-18 to approve the bill, paving the way for action of the House of Representatives later Thursday.

       In November 2023, U.S. Congress approved a stopgap spending bill that would extend funding for some federal agencies and programs at current levels until Jan. 19, 2024, and others through Feb. 2.

       Earlier this month, House and Senate leaders reached an agreement on a short-term spending deal that would move upcoming government funding deadlines to March 1 and March 8, respectively, buying legislators more time to craft longer-term spending bills.

       The latest development in the Senate came a few days after several hard-right House Republicans pressured House Speaker Mike Johnson to drop the spending deal he previously reached with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.