The United States has narrowly avoided a government shutdown after the Senate passed a Republican-backed funding measure, ensuring government operations are secured for the next six months.
On Thursday evening, the Senate passed the stopgap funding bill with a 54-46 vote. The measure, designed to keep federal agencies operational, received support from two Senate Democrats, alongside the majority of Republicans. The legislation now awaits President Donald Trump’s signature to become law before the looming Friday midnight deadline.
Senate’s Crucial Vote: Democrats Split, Schumer Supports Passage
The Senate’s approval came after intense debate, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and nine other Democrats breaking ranks to allow the bill to progress. Despite reservations, Schumer ultimately chose to allow the bill to move forward, acknowledging that a government shutdown would be worse for the nation.
As reported by BBC, Schumer voiced concerns about the bill’s content but emphasized the need to prevent a shutdown. Meanwhile, two key Democrats—Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Independent Senator Angus King—voted in favor of the bill’s final passage, aligning with Republican senators. Schumer, however, voted “no.”
Democratic Party Infighting: Ocasio-Cortez Criticizes Schumer’s Support
Democratic divisions over the bill have sparked heated reactions. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) publicly criticized Schumer’s decision, calling it a “huge slap in the face” to her party. According to CBS News, Ocasio-Cortez expressed frustration over what she sees as a betrayal, citing the bill’s potential to reinforce “chaos and reckless cuts” that could further exacerbate financial inequality.
Ocasio-Cortez’s remarks reflect ongoing frustrations within the party, as Democrats struggled to present a united front. Attempts to push through a 30-day continuing resolution were dismissed, as it failed to gain enough backing to pass.
Senator Cruz Praises the Passage as a Victory for Republicans
On the Republican side, Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) dismissed the Democratic criticisms as mere “political theater” and hailed the passage of the bill as a much-needed win for the government and its citizens. “The government is funded; let’s get back to work,” Cruz said in a statement following the vote.
The bill, which had been widely anticipated to pass, marks a victory for President Trump and congressional Republicans, securing $6 billion in increased military funding, including for border security and veterans’ healthcare. However, it also includes significant cuts to non-defense spending, totaling about $13 billion.
Impact on Washington DC and Future Budget Concerns
Local leaders in Washington, D.C. had expressed concerns that the bill would result in a $1 billion cut to federal funds over the next six months. However, a separate measure passed alongside the bill guarantees that the District’s operating budget will remain intact, according to a report by the New York Times.
What’s Next?
With the shutdown averted, the focus now shifts to President Trump’s signature. As Trump expressed in a tweet, a failure to pass the bill would have been disastrous for the country, but approval would “lead us to new heights.” The legislation, while temporarily easing government funding issues, sets the stage for ongoing budget debates in the coming months.
Key Takeaways:
- The Senate passed the stopgap funding bill with bipartisan support to prevent a government shutdown.
- Senator Chuck Schumer and other Democrats voted to advance the bill, despite internal party conflict.
- Military funding sees an increase of $6 billion, while non-defense spending faces cuts.
- The bill’s impact on Washington D.C. funding was mitigated by a separate measure ensuring the city’s operating budget remains secure.
