A spending bill to keep the government running squeaked past a critical Senate vote Friday, dodging a partial shutdown just hours before a midnight deadline.
The measure, a continuing resolution (CR), cleared the 60-vote threshold needed to advance with a 62-38 tally, thanks to ten Democrats crossing the aisle to join Republicans.
The vote capped a tense week of wrangling, leaving Senate Democrats torn between two grim choices: back a bill they say hands President Donald Trump unchecked spending power or reject it and risk a funding lapse.
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Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), after days of letting his caucus air grievances, made a last-minute pivot Thursday night, declaring he’d vote yes to avoid chaos.
“A shutdown will allow DOGE to shift into overdrive,” Schumer said, “Donald Trump and Elon Musk would be free to destroy vital government services at a much faster rate.”
The decision sparked fury among party ranks itching to thwart Trump’s agenda.
Progressives and activists slammed Schumer for folding, arguing it greenlights the administration’s plans, including cuts tied to Elon Musk’s influence via the Department of Government Efficiency.
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