The Senate continued debate on a highway reauthorization bill, totaling $181 billion over the upcoming six years. Members also debated an extension of temporary funding for approximately half of government programs. The money was needed because several of the 13 annual appropriations bills had still not become law. The temporary funding runs through November 7, 1998. The House passed temporary funding earlier in the week. In order to prevent a partial government shutdown, the Senate needed to pass and the president needed to sign the bill by midnight the following day.

11:58AM - 7:14PM ETSenate Session