US equity futures were slightly lower pre-bell Thursday as traders digested a newly passed budget bill amid concerns of worsening US deficit.

Dow Jones Industrial Average futures slipped 0.2%, S&P 500 futures slipped 0.2%, and Nasdaq futures inched 0.3% lower.

The US House of Representatives approved early Thursday a budget bill that includes lower taxes and additional military spending, according to media reports. The proposed legislation will now go to the Senate for its approval.

Oil prices were lower, with front-month global benchmark North Sea Brent crude down 1.9% at $63.65 per barrel and US West Texas Intermediate crude 2% lower at $60.37 per barrel.

New unemployment claims, scheduled for release at 8:30 am ET, are seen rising by 1,000 to 230,000 in the week ended May 17, according to estimates compiled by Bloomberg.

The flash S&P Global Composite Purchasing Managers' Index for May is due at 9:45 am ET.

Existing home sales, slated for 10 am ET, are seen rising to a 4.15 million annual rate for April from 4.02 million previously.