The Senate has passed a six-month spending bill hours before a government shutdown, overcoming sharp Democratic opposition to the measure.

The US funding bill, passed with a 54-46 vote, stopped shutdown plans, preventing over 800,000 federal workers from being furloughed without pay.

The Senate approaches a key test vote Friday afternoon as lawmakers work to avoid a partial government shutdown, with Democrats confronting two painful options: allowing passage of a bill they believe gives President Donald Trump vast discretion on spending decisions or voting no and letting a funding lapse ensue.