US Senate approves funding bill, avoiding government shutdown

In a last-minute move to avert a government shutdown, the US Senate passed a Republican-led spending bill, sending it to President Donald Trump for final approval. The vote, largely divided along party lines, passed with a 54-46 outcome.

The measure, which funds the government for the next six months, faced significant opposition from Senate Democrats, who voiced frustration over the lack of input in the bill’s drafting, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

Democrats argued that the bill fell short on key priorities such as healthcare, housing, and other social services. The bill also included provisions allowing President Trump greater discretion over federal spending, particularly amid concerns about the Trump administration’s moves to streamline government agencies and reduce staff.

Despite the opposition, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer ultimately chose to avoid a government shutdown, opting to support the bill’s passage. “A shutdown will allow DOGE to shift into overdrive,” Schumer warned, referencing Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, accusing them of using a shutdown as an opportunity to further dismantle vital government operations at an accelerated pace.

The vote’s outcome saw a mix of Democratic reactions. Ten Democratic senators voted to break their party’s filibuster and allow the bill to proceed to a final vote. However, only two Democrats supported the bill on its final passage, while one Republican, Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky, voted against it.

The intense debate leading up to the vote reflected a divided Democratic party. Many within the party pushed for a stronger stance against the Trump administration’s policies, but Schumer ultimately shifted strategy, prioritizing the prevention of a shutdown over an all-out confrontation with Republicans. This shift angered some Democrats, but ultimately allowed for the bill to move forward.

In the final hours before the vote, House Democrats mobilized in an attempt to block the bill, with many sending letters, posting on social media, and holding press conferences to rally opposition. Despite their efforts, the measure was passed, securing government funding and preventing a shutdown that would have disrupted federal operations.

The bill now awaits President Trump’s signature to become law, securing temporary funding and setting the stage for further negotiations in the coming months.

By Vafa Guliyeva