Relief as U.S. Senate Passes Bill to Avert Government Shutdown

The U.S. Senate passed a stopgap spending bill on Friday with a 54-46 vote, avoiding a partial government shutdown. The bill now awaits President Donald Trump’s signature after clearing the House earlier this week.

Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer, who initially opposed the bill, backed down, citing concerns that a government shutdown would be a worse outcome. The bill maintains government funding at $6.75 trillion but includes $7 billion in spending cuts, a move that has angered Democrats.

President Trump and his adviser Elon Musk are aggressively pushing for reductions in federal spending, including plans to cut tens of thousands of government jobs. Democrats argue the bill does nothing to stop Trump’s efforts to override congressionally mandated spending.

High-profile Democrats, including Nancy Pelosi and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have publicly criticized Schumer’s decision, signaling deep divisions within the party. The bill provides government funding through September 30, but further battles over spending cuts are expected in the coming months.