US Government Shutdown Averted as Senate Passes Spending Bill

The US government has narrowly avoided a shutdown after the Senate passed a Republican-led stopgap spending bill to keep federal operations funded for the next six months. The bill, approved 54-46, saw two Democrats and nearly all Republicans vote in favor, sending it to President Donald Trump for his signature ahead of the Friday midnight deadline.

The measure faced intense debate, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and nine other Democrats breaking ranks to advance the bill past a procedural hurdle. Schumer, who ultimately voted against the final passage, justified his decision by stating that a government shutdown would have been far more damaging. However, his stance drew sharp criticism from progressive Democrats, including Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who called it a “huge slap in the face” and accused Senate Democrats of enabling “reckless cuts” that benefit billionaires.

The bill maintains much of the federal funding levels from the Biden Administration but includes significant changes, such as a $6 billion increase in military spending for border security, veterans’ healthcare, and defense. However, it also cuts non-defense funding by approximately $13 billion, sparking concerns among local officials in Washington DC, who feared a $1 billion reduction in federal funds for the city. A separate bill was approved to protect DC’s current operating budget.

President Trump hailed the bill’s passage as a victory, praising Schumer’s decision to allow the measure to advance. “A non-pass would be a Country destroyer, approval will lead us to new heights,” Trump tweeted. Senator Ted Cruz also celebrated the outcome, urging lawmakers to “get back to work.”

The resolution marks a temporary fix to the ongoing budget disputes, averting a shutdown that would have disrupted federal services and impacted millions of Americans. While the bill provides short-term stability, it underscores the deep partisan divisions in Congress, setting the stage for further clashes over long-term fiscal policies.