U.S. House spending bill clears procedural hurdle in party-line vote

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The first of 12 fiscal 2024 spending bills overcame a procedural hurdle in the Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday, as lawmakers edged toward a looming showdown with the Democratic-led Senate that could trigger a government shutdown this autumn. The House voted 217-206 to approve a rule allowing debate on an appropriations bill for military construction and veterans affairs. (Reporting by David Morgan)