Senate Approves GOP Funding Bill, 10 Democrats Vote Yes

The U.S. Senate advanced a GOP-led spending bill to avert a government shutdown, with a 62-38 vote that saw ten Senate Democrats joining Republicans. This move, supported by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, has sparked backlash from progressive Democrats and party leaders, including Nancy Pelosi and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who criticized the decision as a capitulation to Republican demands. Schumer argued that allowing a government shutdown would have dire consequences, while the bill itself reduces overall spending and modifies defense allocations. The Senate is expected to proceed with a final vote on the legislation after considering several amendments, although these are likely to fail. The situation reflects a deep division within the Democratic Party regarding strategy and priorities in the face of Republican proposals. As tensions rise, some Democrats are even calling for primary challenges against Schumer in the future.