WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today issued the following statement after voting to advance legislation to fund the federal government through December 11, 2020:

 “In recent months, it has become clear that the gaps between the House and the Senate on our nation’s financial priorities are too large to overcome before the end of the fiscal year. Though I am glad that today’s vote averts the possibility of a government shutdown this week, a continuing resolution is no substitute for a full appropriations package.

 “I hope members of Congress can come back to the negotiating table in the coming weeks and work in a spirit of cooperation to pass a comprehensive funding bill.”