Senate Democrats Split on Budget Vote to Prevent Shutdown

The U.S. Senate is at a critical juncture as it faces a midnight deadline to pass a temporary spending bill to avoid a government shutdown. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has signaled his support for the bill despite acknowledging its flaws, emphasizing that a shutdown would cause greater harm to the American public. The proposed legislation would fund the government through September, increasing defense spending by $6 billion while cutting non-defense programs by $13 billion. Nevada's senators split their votes, with Catherine Cortez Masto supporting the bill and Jacky Rosen opposing it, reflecting broader tensions among Democrats regarding cuts to federal programs. Progressive lawmakers, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Elizabeth Warren, are pushing back against the spending cuts, concerned about potential impacts on essential services. As of now, at least eight Democrats must align with Republicans to secure the bill's passage, highlighting the precarious balance of power in Congress.