The House voted narrowly Thursday to advance a $1.1 trillion spending bill.
The 214-212 vote paves the way for the chamber to debate and vote on final passage of the bill, which keeps most of the government open through fiscal 2015 and pays for the Homeland Security Department until Feb. 27.
While the margin was narrow, GOP leadership aides say the overall spending measure is expected to pass more easily.
The deal averts a government shutdown which would have kicked in at midnight.
It is now likely that lawmakers will be able to leave town for the Christmas and New Years break on time.
