The measure, which passed with bipartisan support and minor changes, now heads back to the House. It is just the second legislative victory for the new Republican-controlled Congress.

The U.S. Senate on Friday looked set to advance a bill that would prevent a partial government shutdown, after a sufficient number of minority Democrats joined with the majority Republicans in support.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) announced Friday afternoon that the Senate would begin voting immediately on a procedural motion to end debate on a House-passed bill to fund the government through Sept.