Democrats blink as Schumer helps GOP clear key shutdown hurdle
Senate Advances Short-Term Funding Bill to Avert Shutdown
The Senate on Monday cleared the first procedural hurdle for a short‑term funding extension that would keep the federal government open through the midterm elections and into early December. The bipartisan vote sets the stage for a continuing resolution (CR) to extend current spending levels past the Sept. 30 fiscal‑year deadline.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R‑S.D., said the chamber acted early to bring predictability to the appropriations process. “There’s been enough uncertainty this last year, and, you know, unfortunately, I think through two government shutdowns that extended for a long period of time, it’s better for everybody if there’s predictability, certainty,” Thune said on the Senate floor.
The push for a quick fix follows two of the longest government closures in U.S. history during President Donald Trump’s second term. Last year’s 40‑day partial shutdown was driven by a dispute over expired health‑care tax credits that lawmakers never fully resolved. Earlier this year, a 70‑day closure erupted after the killing of a Minnesota woman by immigration enforcement officers, prompting Republicans to fund immigration enforcement without Democratic support.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D‑N.Y., threw his support behind the CR, calling it the responsible path forward. “For months, Democrats have been clear: we want to fund the government, avoid a shutdown and pass strong, bipartisan appropriations bills that improve people’s lives,” Schumer said in a statement. He added that the CR “allows continued bipartisan negotiations on a budget that delivers for American families.”
Monday’s approval positions the Senate to vote on final passage of the funding measure later this week, after which the bill is expected to move to the House. Lawmakers have indicated they will remain in session until the legislation clears both chambers.
Beyond the CR, the Senate faces a packed agenda before the end of the year. A package of more than 70 executive and judicial nominees awaits confirmation, along with a long‑pending Russia sanctions bill. Legislation to establish a framework for the cryptocurrency market has also been lined up, though its prospects currently appear uncertain. In addition, the chamber is set to hold the final confirmation vote for Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, President Trump’s nominee to lead the Department of Justice.
“I think we have a bunch of stuff we have to finish and we’ll just stay until we finish it,” Thune said, noting that the Senate’s last official week in Washington will be used to tackle the remaining items.