WASHINGTON D.C.- Congress avoided a government shutdown Thursday, and it did so without support from the five members of Nebraska's congressional delegation.

The three members of the House and two senators joined a majority of their fellow Republicans in opposing the measure, which will fund the government through Dec. 3.

The legislation was needed to keep the government running once the current budget year ended at midnight Thursday. Its passage buys lawmakers more time to craft the spending measures that will fund federal agencies and the programs they administer.

The House approved the measure by a 254-175 vote not long after Senate passage in a 65-35 vote. A large majority of Republicans in both chambers voted against it.

In statements, Nebraska congressional members cited a range of reasons for opposing the legislation — though several directed their critiques at the spending habits of Washington.

“Congress’ broken budget process is not good for our country," Sen. Deb Fischer said. "Instead of funding the spending priorities of the past, we need to make tough decisions and pass a responsible budget that properly addresses the current needs of the nation.”

Fischer's fellow Nebraskan in the U.S. Senate, Ben Sasse, shared similar criticisms over the process.

Rep. Don Bacon, who represents the Omaha area, cited the failure to include funding for Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system.

Rep. Jeff Fortenberry pointed to late additions to the package as the reason for his "no" vote. Fortenberry represents Nebraska's 1st District, which includes Bellevue and Lincoln.

Rep. Adrian Smith, who represents Nebraska's vast and mostly rural 3rd District, said Thursday's vote symbolized a failure of leadership by Democrats, who currently control both chambers of Congress and the White House.

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