Senate Passes Stopgap Bill, Averts Government Shutdown

The Senate passed a Republican-led stopgap funding bill with a 54-46 vote, avoiding a government shutdown just hours before the deadline. Despite strong opposition from the left wing of the Democratic Party, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and 10 other Democrats supported the measure, arguing that allowing a shutdown would empower the Trump administration more than the bill would. Schumer emphasized that the bill, while not ideal, was a necessary compromise to prevent greater harm from a shutdown, which could last six to nine months. The legislation now heads to President Trump's desk for signing, and he has praised Schumer for his support. Critics within the Democratic Party expressed frustration over the decision, believing it surrendered too much power to Republicans. In the final vote, only two Democrats supported the bill, while Sen. Rand Paul was the sole Republican opposing it.