The US House of Representatives has passed a bill to fund government operations until 16 February, the first move in efforts to avert a government shutdown. <br/><br/>The bill must now be voted on by the Senate, where it faces an uncertain future. The Republicans do not have enough votes. Backing from at least some Democrats is needed to pass the bill ahead of the midnight tonight deadline. The last US shutdown happened in 2013 and lasted for 16 days.<br/>'<br/>A vote is now expected in the Senate at some point in the next 24 hours, but it is unclear exactly when it will take place.Republican leaders – who need some support from the Democrats – also face resistance from their rank-and-file conservatives, who are demanding more military spending, among other things.<br/>'<br/>This so-called stopgap spending measure would keep federal agencies funded only until 16 February. The US government is already operating on its third temporary funding extension since this fiscal year began last October.