The House passed a bill Tuesday, 217-213, that would keep the government funded through September. The measure next heads to the Senate where prospects for passage remain uncertain as the threat of a shutdown looms.

House Republicans passed a critical test of their unity on legislation to avoid a partial government shutdown, teeing up a final vote for a measure that keeps federal agencies funded through September.

U.S. Senate Democrats were wrestling on Wednesday with how to respond to a stopgap funding bill passed by the Republican-controlled House of Representatives, choosing between voting for a bill many of them oppose or allowing a government shutdown.

Portugal's parliament will vote later on Tuesday on a motion of confidence in the minority centre-right government, which looks set to be rejected, triggering the country's third early general election in just over three years.

Portugal’s minority government has lost a confidence vote in parliament, forcing its resignation and bringing the European Union country’s third general election in three years