The U.S. House of Representatives unexpectedly defeated a bill that would fund the federal government past September 30 on Wednesday as dozens of Republicans broke with their party to push for deeper spending cuts.
The measure failed by a vote of 195 to 230, with 48 of the chamber's most conservative Republicans joining Democrats in opposition.
It was an embarrassment for House Republican leaders who have at times struggled to rein in rank-and-file conservatives.
The surprise outcome could further rattle consumers and investors who have been unnerved by the high-stakes budget battle that has played out in Washington this year. Congress pushed the government to the brink of a shutdown in April and the edge of default in August.
Republican leaders said they would figure out a way to pass the spending bill and avoid a government shutdown that would affect everything from national parks to scientific research.
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