WASHINGTON — (CNN) The Senate cleared a bill Wednesday to fund the government and the federal response to Zika, avoiding a potentially embarrassing government shutdown just weeks before the election.
The measure — which funds the federal government through December 9 — was passed two days before federal agencies were set to run out of money and will be sent to the House, where final passage is expected later Wednesday.
After weeks of negotiation and stalemate, the bill ended up getting broad support, passing 72-26, after both parties agreed to approve $220 million for Flint, Michigan, to respond to the lead poisoning in its water supply.
Senators up for re-election can now return home to campaign.
The bill included $1.1 billion for Zika, $500 million for flooding in Louisiana and other states, and $37 million for opioid addiction.
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