In a tightly contested decision, the Senate has successfully passed a funding bill to avert a government shutdown, reflecting deep divisions within the Democratic Party.
Senate Passes Bill to Prevent US Government Shutdown
Senate Passes Bill to Prevent US Government Shutdown
Last-minute bipartisan efforts keep the government funded for six more months.
The US Senate has successfully passed a Republican-backed spending measure that prevents a government shutdown, securing funding for the next six months. The vote concluded with a tally of 54-46, with two Democrats breaking ranks to support the bill alongside nearly all Republicans, marking a significant moment in bipartisan cooperation amidst ongoing political tension. Now, the ball is in President Donald Trump's court, as he must sign the bill into law before Friday’s midnight deadline.
The passage of this legislation came after intense debates, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and nine other Democrats deciding to allow the measure to progress despite their reservations. Schumer ultimately voted against the bill, expressing that while he didn’t favor its contents, a government shutdown would be an even worse outcome. Among those who supported its final passage were Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Independent Senator Angus King, with Schumer contrasting their decisions by calling the bill a mistake.
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticized Schumer's actions, describing them as a “huge slap in the face” to party members and accusing the Senate Democrats of enabling cuts that would detrimentally affect federal services while benefiting wealthy individuals. The Democrats were initially divided over whether to endorse the measure, with discussions of rallying support for a short-term resolution ultimately failing.
Republican Senator Ted Cruz responded positively to the bill's passage, characterizing it as a win to ensure government operations can proceed without hindrance. President Trump also commended Schumer, highlighting that failing to approve the bill could have disastrous effects on the country, while asserting that passing it could lead to progress.
The newly passed legislation keeps many federal funding levels from the Biden Administration intact but includes some notable changes, like a $6 billion increase in military spending at the expense of a proposed $13 billion reduction in non-defense funding. Although there were fears about significant cuts to federal funds for Washington, D.C., a separate measure was subsequently approved to maintain the city’s operating budget.
The passage of this legislation came after intense debates, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and nine other Democrats deciding to allow the measure to progress despite their reservations. Schumer ultimately voted against the bill, expressing that while he didn’t favor its contents, a government shutdown would be an even worse outcome. Among those who supported its final passage were Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Independent Senator Angus King, with Schumer contrasting their decisions by calling the bill a mistake.
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticized Schumer's actions, describing them as a “huge slap in the face” to party members and accusing the Senate Democrats of enabling cuts that would detrimentally affect federal services while benefiting wealthy individuals. The Democrats were initially divided over whether to endorse the measure, with discussions of rallying support for a short-term resolution ultimately failing.
Republican Senator Ted Cruz responded positively to the bill's passage, characterizing it as a win to ensure government operations can proceed without hindrance. President Trump also commended Schumer, highlighting that failing to approve the bill could have disastrous effects on the country, while asserting that passing it could lead to progress.
The newly passed legislation keeps many federal funding levels from the Biden Administration intact but includes some notable changes, like a $6 billion increase in military spending at the expense of a proposed $13 billion reduction in non-defense funding. Although there were fears about significant cuts to federal funds for Washington, D.C., a separate measure was subsequently approved to maintain the city’s operating budget.
