Schumer Supports GOP Funding Bill Amidst Democratic Opposition

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced that Senate Democrats will not support the House Republicans' government funding bill, signaling a potential government shutdown as the Friday deadline approaches. Schumer expressed concern that supporting the partisan bill would empower former President Trump, emphasizing that a shutdown would have worse consequences for the country. While some Senate Democrats oppose the bill due to significant cuts to non-defense spending and funding for veterans, Schumer indicated that Democrats prefer a clean continuing resolution to negotiate a bipartisan solution. There is pressure on Democrats to consider backing the GOP bill, but many, including Senators Booker and Gallego, voiced their firm opposition to the cuts included. With Republicans lacking the necessary votes to overcome a filibuster, the situation remains tense as the deadline nears. The funding measure, which includes a $6 billion increase in defense spending, is seen as a partisan effort that sidesteps bipartisan cooperation in Congress.