Congress nears deadline to avert government shutdown

As Congress approaches a midnight deadline to prevent a partial government shutdown, a Republican-backed spending bill is facing significant challenges in the Senate. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has indicated that the current plan lacks the necessary Democratic support, criticizing it for being drafted without bipartisan collaboration. He emphasized that funding the government should be a bipartisan effort, while some Democrats express concerns that the proposal grants too much spending discretion to the Trump administration. In response, Democrats are proposing an alternative bill aimed at extending government funding until April 11, although some members warn that this approach could risk a shutdown. House Speaker Mike Johnson defended the original Republican plan, accusing Senate Democrats of wanting a government shutdown. The ongoing negotiations reflect broader concerns about economic stability and the potential repercussions of a shutdown on Americans.