After a day of drama, the chamber passed a $1 trillion bill to keep the government running and sent it to the Senate.
Barring a change, the federal backstop against terrorist attacks will expire at the end of the year.
Weekend session looks possible as endgame negotiations drag on.
Members will race to finish omnibus, defense bill, and key nominations before adjournment.
The speaker promised to revive the issue next year, which would enrage conservatives.
Senate Democrats still want a longer-term measure, but the White House threatened to veto an earlier bipartisan proposal.
Lawmakers still mulling appropriations strategy as agreements on other issues take shape.
A standoff over how or whether to defund President Obama's executive order lies ahead before the 113th Congress adjourns.
After the House passed a measure authorizing completion of the Keystone XL pipeline on Friday, the Senate will take up the legislation Tuesday.
Incoming freshman class includes vulnerable moderates and devout conservatives, with competing priorities.
Despite a tumultuous election, leaders in both parties in both chambers are keeping their jobs with ease. That's increasingly normal.
Both current and newly elected lawmakers will converge on the Capitol this week.
As they await a White House request, appropriators are beginning to get their ducks in a row.
The secretive panel has taken no public action against a senator in more than two years.
The attorney general has been held in contempt of Congress and battled Republicans on multiple fronts.
Stopgap spending bill looks headed for passage despite concerns.
Congressional leaders are gathering votes as some members question Obama's strategy.
As debate continues, leaders mull how and when to vote.
New leadership team faces crucial test of legislative prowess.