WASHINGTON - The Senate passed a last-minute spending bill Saturday night, preventing a government shutdown that would have triggered a catastrophic domino effect for the American public and economy.

The Senate voted on the continuing resolution three hours before the federal government shutdown would have taken effect at 12:01 a.m. The measure was signed by President Joe Biden late Saturday night.

The bill allows the government to remain in session for 45 days, giving the House of Representatives and Senate more time to complete funding legislation.

The short-term 71-page bill, authored by House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy of California, allocates funds for disaster relief but does not include new financial assistance for Ukraine's ongoing war with Russia.

Since the start of Russia's full-scale war in Ukraine, the United States has released more than $43 billion in war funds for security assistance to Kiev.

Earlier on Saturday, the House of Representatives voted 335 to 91 to pass the stopgap spending measure. The House will resume work on Monday.

CNBC/Roz