With the federal fiscal year ending at midnight Wednesday, members of Congress voted to continue current funding for most federal programs through Oct. 31 but raised their own administrative budget by about 3.5 percent.

The U.S. Senate voted late Wednesday afternoon in support of the legislation, which was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives last week.

House Democrats Chellie Pingree and Mike Michaud of Maine voted in favor of the bill, as did Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins, both Maine Republicans. In the Senate, the vote passed 62-38.

"Although I would have preferred the conference report to come back with a lower spending level — the inclusion of the continuing resolution in the bill cannot be understated," Snowe said in a statement. "Given the gravity of our economic circumstances and the many facets of federal operations enjoyed by all Americans, it is important to keep the federal government open, continuing to meet its obligations to individuals and communities nationwide."

Collins was disappointed that no appropriations bill had been signed into law, said her spokesman, Kevin Kelley. The bill includes important and sorely needed funding for Maine highway and road projects, he said.