WASHINGTON (Agencies): The United States narrowly avoided a government shutdown after the Senate passed a Republican-led stopgap funding bill late Friday evening. The measure, which keeps the government funded for the next six months, passed with a 54-46 vote. Two Democrats, Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Independent Senator Angus King of Maine, joined all but one Republican in voting for the bill. President Donald Trump must now sign it into law before the midnight deadline.
The passage of the bill followed intense debate among Senate Democrats, who were deeply divided over whether to support the measure. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and nine other Democrats voted to advance the bill to its final vote, despite opposition from many within their party. Schumer ultimately voted against the bill’s final passage but defended his decision to allow it to move forward, stating that a government shutdown would have been a worse outcome.
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticized Schumer’s decision, calling it a “huge slap in the face” and accusing Senate Democrats who supported the bill of enabling “reckless cuts” and “tax breaks for billionaires.” The Democrats had initially pushed for a 30-day continuing resolution, but it failed to gain sufficient support.
The legislation maintains much of the federal funding levels from the Biden Administration but introduces significant changes. It increases military spending by $6 billion, allocating funds for border security, veterans’ healthcare, and other defense priorities. However, it cuts non-defense funding by approximately $13 billion, raising concerns among local officials in Washington, D.C., who feared a $1 billion reduction in federal funds for the city. A separate bill was passed to preserve the city’s current operating budget.
Senator Ted Cruz praised the bill’s passage, calling it a victory for Republicans and urging lawmakers to “get back to work.” President Trump also commended Schumer’s decision to advance the bill, describing its approval as a step toward “new heights” for the country.
The stopgap funding bill now awaits Trump’s signature to officially avert the shutdown. Its passage highlights the ongoing political tensions in Washington, as lawmakers grapple with balancing fiscal priorities and avoiding disruptions to government operations.
This development underscores the challenges of bipartisan cooperation in a deeply divided Congress. The next six months will likely see continued debates over federal spending and the broader direction of U.S. governance.