Government Shutdown Looms as Senate Fails Pass Funding Amid Democratic Divisions

As a midnight deadline approaches, the U.S. faces a looming federal government shutdown due to an impasse between Democratic and Republican leaders. Senate Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer, have blocked a clean extension of government funding, with some Democrats breaking ranks to support a bipartisan spending bill that ultimately failed to reach the required votes. Democrats are demanding increased health care funding, which Republicans and President Donald Trump oppose, seeking a short-term clean funding bill instead. President Trump has stated that the shutdown is likely due to Democrats' refusal to back the stopgap measure, while Senate Democrats are rallying internally to stand firm against the administration's demands. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries is embracing the fight, gaining strong support from his caucus, emphasizing the need for additional health care funding in any deal. The standoff leaves thousands of federal workers at risk of furlough or layoffs as negotiations remain deadlocked.