The House passed a stopgap spending bill 220-205 Tuesday to fund the federal government through Dec. 4, an unusually early move to avoid a shutdown before November's midterm elections. Speaker Mike Johnson dared Democrats to oppose the measure, warning they would "own the chaos" if the government closes after September 30.

Democrats overwhelmingly opposed the continuing resolution, which maintains current spending levels. Rep. Rosa DeLauro criticized the lack of bipartisan negotiations, saying the bill was dropped days before the August recess without Democratic input on priorities like blocking a rule allowing agency heads to terminate grants.

Republicans argued the early action prevents a repeat of past shutdowns. Rep. Tom Cole said he wasn't willing to risk a third shutdown. Conservative Rep. Eric Burlison called the static spending levels "the best way to spend the least amount of money."

Senate passage remains uncertain. The bill needs 60 votes to advance, and Majority Leader John Thune said Appropriations Chair Susan Collins is working with Democrats to find a path forward.