The House approved a massive spending plan that not only keeps the government open but includes money for the Gateway Tunnel, a massive project that would create a new link for trains under the Hudson River. Experts and politicians from both parties consider it one of the most important transportation projects in the nation.

"There's money in there. Now, we can start the tunnel project through the Hudson River between New York, New Jersey to open up the Northeast Corridor," said Rep. Dan Donovan, whose district covers Staten Island and part of Brooklyn. "It's going to be great for the economy of the region. It's going to be great for the economy of the nation."

The bill sets aside $540 million to continue the tunnel project, much of through an allocation to Amtrak's Northeast Corridor.

President Donald Trump had lobbied Congressional Republicans to block any appropriation, reportedly because of a feud with one of the tunnel's biggest supporters, Sen. Chuck Schumer. Advocates had feared the tunnel would be stopped.  

"Concerned is an understatement," said Thomas Wright, president of the Regional Plan Association. "I think all transit advocates and gateway advocates, really anybody kind of looking at the economy of New York and New Jersey and the northeast region, was really worried just 48 hours ago.  

But lawmakers from both parties fought heavily to get the money in the spending bill, particularly Republicans facing tough re-election campaigns this fall.

The appropriation represents a compromise, Backers initially sought $900 million.  

The existing rail tunnels under the Hudson River are 110 years old and were damaged by floodwaters during Hurricane Sandy. Losing even one of them would be devastating for transportation in the northeast and for the regional economy. But once Gateway is built, the old tunnels could finally be taken out of service for repairs.

An earlier version of the project was killed by New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. But then the Obama Administration agreed to split the more than $13 billion cost with New York and New Jersey.

House Speaker Paul Ryan says he expects Trump will sign the new spending bill.