The United States has successfully averted a government shutdown after the Senate passed a Republican-led stopgap funding bill, ensuring government operations continue for the next six months. The bill passed with a 54-46 vote, with two Democrats crossing party lines to support the measure. President Donald Trump now has until the Friday midnight deadline to sign it into law.
The bill’s passage followed intense debate, particularly among Senate Democrats. While the majority opposed the measure, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and nine other Democrats allowed it to move forward for a final vote, emphasizing that a government shutdown would be a far worse outcome. However, Schumer ultimately voted against the final passage of the bill. Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Independent Senator Angus King of Maine were the only two from the Democratic side who voted in favor.
The decision sparked controversy within the Democratic Party. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticized Schumer’s stance, calling it a “huge slap in the face” and accusing Senate Democrats who voted yes of enabling “reckless cuts” and supporting the interests of billionaires. She expressed concerns that the bill would lead to significant reductions in federal programs while maintaining key provisions that benefit corporate interests.
Republicans, on the other hand, praised the passage of the bill. Senator Ted Cruz accused Democrats of engaging in “political theater” and emphasized that funding the government should remain a priority. He commended the bill’s approval, stating, “The government is funded, let’s get back to work.”
President Trump celebrated the bill’s passage as a victory for congressional Republicans. In a rare bipartisan gesture, he acknowledged Schumer’s role in allowing the bill to proceed, writing that failing to pass the measure would have been a “Country destroyer, approval will lead us to new heights.”
The legislation keeps much of the Biden Administration’s federal funding levels intact but introduces significant changes. Military spending will increase by $6 billion, focusing on border security, veterans’ healthcare, and other defense-related expenditures. Meanwhile, non-defense funding will face a reduction of approximately $13 billion.
Concerns were raised over potential funding cuts to Washington, D.C., which initially faced a $1 billion reduction in federal allocations. However, a separate Senate-approved bill ensured that the city’s current operating budget would remain intact, mitigating the financial impact on the capital.
With the shutdown averted, government operations can continue, though debates over long-term fiscal policies and budget priorities are expected to persist in the coming months.
