The House of Representatives just passed stopgap legislation to prevent the government from shutting down when funds expire on Friday by vote of 271-158.

The spending measure, known as a "continuing resolution," will keep the federal lights on for three weeks, while congressional leaders and the White House hammer out a compromise package that can pass both the House and the Senate. This continuing resolution lost nearly 70 votes compared to the last stopgap, and could not have passed without Democratic support.

House conservatives staged a mini-rebellion over the CR, which they say doesn't sufficiently slash discretionary spending, and doesn't contain key Republican policy measures -- including abortion restrictions and a rescission of funds to implement the health care law.

Overall, 54 Republicans broke ranks with GOP leadership and voted against the measure. A total of 85 Democrats voted for the measure. It is expected to pass the Senate late this week.