Schumer: GOP Funding Bill Lacks Votes, Government Shutdown Looms

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer announced that the Republican-led House bill to fund the government lacks sufficient support in the Senate, increasing the risk of a government shutdown this Friday. Schumer criticized the GOP for not including Democratic input in drafting the continuing resolution (CR), which would fund the government through September and includes significant increases in defense spending while cutting non-defense programs. Senate Democrats are advocating for a clean 30-day CR to allow more time for bipartisan negotiations. If the resolution fails, many nonessential government services would halt, affecting workers and public services, while essential operations would continue. The House is currently on recess, complicating the potential for a quick resolution. This standoff has led to concerns from both parties about the negative impacts on ordinary citizens, as both a shutdown and passing the current bill pose significant risks.