Senate Advances GOP Bill to Avert Government Shutdown

The Senate advanced a Republican-backed funding bill aimed at preventing a partial government shutdown, with a final vote tally of 62-38. This bipartisan effort saw ten Senate Democrats voting alongside Republicans, although significant dissent arose from within the Democratic party, particularly from progressives who felt it betrayed their stance against President Trump. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer justified his support for the bill by warning that a shutdown would empower Republican lawmakers to control government operations further. The bill includes a $6 billion boost to defense spending while cutting non-defense spending by $13 billion. Despite the backlash, Democrats faced a difficult choice between supporting the bill or risking political backlash from a government shutdown. The deal allows for amendments but does not accommodate Democrats' preferred shorter funding extension, highlighting ongoing tensions within the party.