Shutdown-averting bill scheduled for House vote

WASHINGTON - A limited number of House members are expected Thursday to approve by unanimous consent a short-term spending bill that would prevent a partial government shutdown at midnight Friday.

That'll buy time until the entire House gets back next week from a one-week break. Then it can take up the longer term funding measure that's already been approved by the Senate. It keeps the government in business through November.

Budget battle over -- for now
Congress poised to avert government shutdown

Approval of that longer term funding measure is expected, though it could draw some fire from conservatives who want less government spending. But any no votes from them are expected to be more than offset by support from Democrats.

Once funding through Nov. 18 can be approved, lawmakers can have more time to hammer out an agreement on a budget for the remainder of the 2012 fiscal year.